Introduction to Barbara and its Impact
Barbara has become the first hurricane of the season in the eastern Pacific, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) of the United States. The storm intensified while moving parallel to Mexico’s western coast, reaching hurricane status as Category 1 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Hurricane Barbara’s Current Status
At 09:00 hours Central Mexico time, Hurricane Barbara had maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 150 kilometers per hour. It was located approximately 240 kilometers south-southwest of Playa Perula, Jalisco, and 245 kilometers southwest of Manzanillo, Colima.
Weather Conditions and Impact
The tropical cyclone’s rainbands will bring heavy rainfall to Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán; showers in Nayarit; and winds of 30 to 50 kilometers per hour with gusts of 60 to 80 kilometers per hour along the coasts of Jalisco and Colima. Additionally, there will be winds of 10 to 20 kilometers per hour with gusts of 40 to 60 kilometers per hour along the coasts of Nayarit and Michoacán.
- Wave heights: Expect wave heights of 3.5 to 4.5 meters along the coasts of Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán, and 1.5 to 2.5 meters along the coasts of Nayarit.
- Flood risks: Heavy rainfall may cause landslides, increased river and stream levels, and potential overflows and flooding in low-lying areas of the mentioned states.
The National Water Commission (CONAGUA) advises the public to heed warnings from the National Meteorological Service and follow recommendations from civil protection authorities.
“There is a possibility of slight additional strengthening today, but a weakening trend is expected to begin tomorrow,” the NHC reported earlier. “No coastal warnings or watches are currently in effect.”
Pacific Hurricane Season Forecast
According to the NHC, this hurricane season, which runs from mid-May to early June through November, is expected to see between 9 and 15 storms in the Atlantic and between 7 and 15 in the eastern Pacific.
Tormenta Tropical Cosme Update
Meanwhile, the center of Tormenta Tropical Cosme was located approximately 1,000 kilometers south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas and 1,040 kilometers south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco. It had maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 120 kilometers per hour.
Due to its distance, Cosme is not expected to have any significant impact on Mexico’s territory.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of Barbara being the first hurricane of the season? It marks the beginning of the eastern Pacific hurricane season, signaling potential impacts on coastal communities and the need for preparedness.
- How does Barbara’s current status affect Mexico? Although Barbara is a Category 1 hurricane, it may bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential coastal hazards to Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, and Nayarit. Authorities advise residents to stay informed and follow safety guidelines.
- What is the expected impact of Tormenta Tropical Cosme? Due to its distance from Mexico’s coast, Tormenta Tropical Cosme is not anticipated to have any significant effects on the country.
