Tropical Storm Barry intensifies off Mexico's coast bringing heavy rain

On June 29, 2025, a tropical depression developed in the Bay of Campeche, located off Mexico's southeast coast. The National Hurricane Center reported its formation, noting that the storm had maximum sustained winds of 30 mph and was expected to strengthen as it moved towards Mexico. By the following day, the storm intensified into Tropical Storm Barry, with maximum sustained winds reaching 40 mph, officially marking it as the second named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. As Tropical Storm Barry approached the Gulf Coast of Mexico, tropical storm warnings were issued covering areas from Boca de Catan southward to Tecolutla. The National Hurricane Center projected that Barry would continue to gain strength before landfall and warned of the potential for life-threatening flooding and mudslides in the affected regions. With the storm's trajectory indicating a west-northwest movement, forecasters anticipated Barry would make landfall on Sunday night. The storm's organization improved due to updated satellite data and reconnaissance flights carried out by the Hurricane Hunters, which confirmed a strong circulation. In addition, the storm was expected to bring significant rainfall, with predictions ranging from 3 to 10 inches across various areas in Veracruz, San Luis Potosi, and Tamaulipas, potentially worsening existing drought conditions in Central America and Mexico. While this storm marked a notable increase in activity for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which had previously exhibited unusually low Accumulated Cyclone Energy, community preparedness efforts were underway to mitigate impacts from anticipated heavy rains and wind. As the storm approached, local authorities urged residents in vulnerable areas to prepare for the worst, particularly given concerns about flooding and landslides in mountainous regions. Overall, the formation of Tropical Storm Barry exemplified the dynamic nature of the Atlantic hurricane season, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and timely updates from meteorological authorities to protect lives and property as the storm made its way toward the Mexican coast.