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17 million people brace for life-threatening conditions as first hurricane of 2025 forms
Meteorologists tracking two storms in the Pacific Ocean warned one has become the first hurricane of 2025.
Storm Barbara reached wind speeds of 75mph on Monday, designating it as a hurricane.
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring Barbara as it moves along the southwestern region of Mexico, about 155 miles southwest of Manzanillo, at around 10mph.
Swells produced by Barbara are expected to impact parts of the southwestern Mexican coastline over the coming days, which are likely to cause dangerous surf and life-threatening rip current conditions, warned the NHC.
The NHC predicted up to four inches of rain for Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco through Monday, warning that flooding and mudslides are possible.
Tropical Storm Cosme formed Sunday afternoon, and as of Monday, it is producing 65mph winds. A storm needs to have sustained winds of 74mph to be classified as a hurricane.
AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Forecaster Alex DaSilva said: ' The Eastern Pacific has come alive with tropical storms already
'This has been a much faster start to the season than the historically slow start in 2024.'
The the storm was expected to bring heavy rainfall to coastal areas of Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco states, with the possibility of localized flooding. A man crosses a street in rain water as Barbara continues to move along the Pacific coast, in Acapulco
It was until the Fourth of July that the first named storm developed in the Pacific last year.
Historically, the second named storm forms around June 24, the third by July 6, and the fourth by July 15.
This year, Tropical Storm Cosme is expected to strengthen near hurricane status by Monday before turning northeast and accelerating Tuesday into Wednesday.
Cosme is expected to reach near-hurricane strength on Monday before turning to the northeast and picking up speed Tuesday into Wednesday.
NHC has a third area already given a 60 percent shot at taking on the fourth named storm of the Pacific hurricane season through the next week. The fourth name on their list is Dalila.
The first, which formed on June 1, was Tropical Storm Alvin that dissipated before reaching hurricane status.
The activity in the Pacific stands in stark contrast to the quiet Atlantic basin, which is still awaiting its first named tropical storm of the season.
'The average first named storm in the Atlantic is June 20, but development over the central and eastern basin looks unfavorable through June at this time,' DaSilva said in a statement.
The calm in the Atlantic is partly due to a plume of Saharan dust that has blanketed Florida and neighboring states in a thick haze.
This dust layer acts as a barrier to solar radiation, cooling sea surface temperatures, one of the key ingredients for hurricane formation.
It also brings dry air and strong wind shear, both of which hinder storm development.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an 'above-average' Atlantic hurricane season. Officials expect more named storms than in 2024, when 18 were recorded.
This year, NOAA forecasts up to 19 named storms, 10 hurricanes and five major hurricanes.
'We've got to convince people of the danger,' said Ken Graham, director of NOAA's National Weather Service. 'Every Category 5 hurricane that has ever hit this country was a tropical storm or less just three days prior.'
Graham urged residents to prepare early by tocking up on essentials like gas, water and emergency supplies before long lines form in a real crisis.
Laura Grimm, NOAA's chief of staff, emphasized the agency's track record: 'Our prediction for 2024 was right on the money.'
The warnings follow AccuWeather's March forecast for 2025, which predicted six major storms could strike the US this summer, the same number that caused an estimated $500 billion in damage last year.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton were the most destructive of the season.
The NHC noted that approximately 400 people died during 2024's hurricane season, the deadliest season since 2005.
