Overview of Tropical Storm Barry’s Impact
Tropical Storm Barry made landfall in Tampico Alto, Veracruz, at 7 PM yesterday with maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (km/h) and gusts up to 95 km/h, moving west-northwest at 13 km/h. The National Water Commission (CONAGUA) reported that the tropical cyclone will bring extraordinary rainfall (over 250 millimeters [mm]) in central and northern Veracruz, as well as northeastern and eastern Puebla. Torrential rains (150-250 mm) are expected in central and southern Tamaulipas, and intense rains (75-150 mm) in eastern San Luis Potosí and Hidalgo.
Weather Conditions and Risks
Last night, wind speeds of 60 to 70 km/h with gusts up to 80 to 100 km/h were forecasted along the central and southern coasts of Tamaulipas, as well as central and northern Veracruz. Wave heights of 3 to 4 meters were expected along those coasts. The storm was predicted to weaken into a remnant low-pressure system over northeastern Veracruz, southern Tamaulipas, and eastern San Luis Potosí, maintaining the potential for heavy rainfall in those regions.
Heavy rains could cause landslides, increased river and stream levels, and flooding in low-lying areas of the five mentioned states. Authorities urged the public to heed weather service warnings and follow Protection Civil recommendations.
Intensification of Tropical Storm Flossie in the Pacific
Apart from Barry, Tropical Storm Flossie in the Pacific is expected to bring localized torrential rains (150-250 mm) in Oaxaca and intense rains (75-150 mm) in Guerrero (coastal and northern regions) and Michoacán (northeast, east, and south). Winds of 50 to 60 km/h with gusts up to 70 to 90 km/h and wave heights of 3 to 4 meters are forecasted along the coasts of Guerrero and Oaxaca.
School Cancellations Due to Weather Risks
Class Suspensions Announced
The Veracruz Education Department ordered the suspension of classes in 51 municipalities due to the risks of flooding, river and stream level increases associated with Tropical Storm Barry. Meanwhile, the Tamaulipas Education Department announced that schools in the southern, canyon, and central regions would conclude the 2025 academic year starting today because of flood risks.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current status of Tropical Storm Barry? Barry made landfall in Veracruz with maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h and gusts up to 95 km/h, moving west-northwest. It is expected to weaken into a remnant low-pressure system over northeastern Veracruz, southern Tamaulipas, and eastern San Luis Potosí.
- Which regions will experience heavy rainfall due to Barry? Central and northern Veracruz, northeastern and eastern Puebla, central and southern Tamaulipas, and eastern San Luis Potosí and Hidalgo will face extraordinary or intense rainfall, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.
- How will Tropical Storm Flossie affect the Pacific coast? Flossie will bring localized torrential or intense rains to Oaxaca, Guerrero (coastal and northern regions), and Michoacán (northeast, east, and south). Strong winds and high waves are also expected along the coasts of Guerrero and Oaxaca.
- What educational measures have been taken in response to the weather risks? The Veracruz Education Department suspended classes in 51 municipalities, while the Tamaulipas Education Department ended the school year early in southern, canyon, and central regions due to flood risks associated with Tropical Storm Barry.
