Tropical Storm Barry Threatens Mexico With Floods as Florida Eyes July 4th Storms

Tropical Storm Barry Slams Mexico’s Gulf Coast

The Atlantic hurricane season isn't wasting any time this year. On June 29, 2025, Tropical Storm Barry spun into existence just off the eastern coast of Mexico. Within hours, what started as a humble tropical depression strengthened, packing winds up to 45 mph. Its core sat about 50 miles east-southeast of Tuxpan, Mexico, and the storm was barreling northwest at around 12 mph. Not exactly the slow and steady type.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) didn’t mince words: Barry posed a serious threat for parts of Mexico. Meteorologists predicted between 3 and 6 inches of rain across coastal and inland areas, but isolated pockets could see a whopping 10 inches. That’s a recipe for nasty flash floods and mudslides, especially in Veracruz, San Luis Potosí, and Tamaulipas. Folks living near rivers or on steep slopes were told to prepare for sudden floods, impassable roads, and even possible evacuations.

Even before Barry made landfall, Mexico’s Gulf coastline saw surging waves and dangerous rip currents. Local authorities scrambled to warn beachgoers and fishermen. For communities used to summer storms, the timing was still tough, with saturated ground from recent rains primed to give way at the first powerful downpour. Emergency crews were put on standby across several states in anticipation of rescue operations.

Unsettled Weather Looms for Florida’s July 4th Plans

On the U.S. side of the Gulf, all eyes turned to a different player. Forecasters tracked a cluster of clouds and showers—a low-pressure system—simmering over the southeastern states and brushing against the warm, storm-brewing waters of the eastern Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center gave it a 20% shot at developing into something more organized in the coming week. That may sound low, but in hurricane season, even a modest system can turn a holiday week upside down.

The Fourth of July is usually Florida’s time for fireworks and beach trips, but the forecast wasn’t playing along. The main concern isn’t a hurricane sweeping over the state—at least not yet. Instead, it’s the risk of heavy tropical downpours and gusty storms, especially since moisture from the Gulf could collide with a stalled weather front draped over the region. This setup is famous for triggering relentless rounds of thunderstorms and soaking rains, perfect for washing out parades and backyard barbecues.

Local meteorologists kept reminding folks that the rain would arrive in daily bursts, with much of central and southern Florida at risk for localized flooding. Even though this particular disturbance might not earn its own name or become an official tropical cyclone, its effect could be all too real for Florida residents itching to celebrate outdoors.

Barry, meanwhile, doesn’t appear to have plans to veer toward the U.S. Instead, it’s all about Mexico right now—at least until the next named storm, Chantal, crops up. But Barry’s early arrival hints at a busy and unpredictable hurricane season ahead, and July is just getting started.