Hurricane Flossie Forms Off Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Triggers Flood Warnings
MEXICO CITY – Tropical Storm Flossie intensified into a Category 1 hurricane late Monday night, June 30, or early Tuesday morning, July 1, 2025, off Mexico’s southwestern Pacific coast. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami confirmed the storm’s upgrade, highlighting a period of rapid strengthening that positions Flossie as a significant meteorological event for the region.
As of the latest advisories, Hurricane Flossie possessed maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph), placing it squarely within the criteria for a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Its location was estimated to be approximately 175 miles (280 kilometers) south of the port city of Manzanillo, Mexico. The storm is currently tracking west-northwest at a speed of 10 mph (17 kph).
Forecast Path and Intensity
The projected path for Hurricane Flossie indicates it is expected to parallel the Mexican coastline over the coming days, remaining offshore but close enough to exert considerable influence on coastal weather patterns. Forecasters anticipate that Flossie will continue to strengthen further over the next 36 hours before a weakening trend is expected to commence.
This trajectory, while keeping the storm’s core away from direct landfall, raises significant concerns due to the potential for heavy rainfall and associated hazards along a considerable stretch of the Pacific coast. The proximity of the hurricane’s circulation is sufficient to draw copious moisture ashore, impacting areas far from the storm’s center.
Threat of Heavy Rainfall and Hazards
One of the primary threats posed by Hurricane Flossie is the potential for moderate to heavy rainfall across several Mexican states. Forecasts suggest that cumulative rainfall totals could reach up to 150 mm (6 inches) in certain areas through early next week. This level of precipitation, particularly over a concentrated period, can lead to dangerous conditions.
The states most likely to be affected by Flossie’s rain include Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco. Many areas within these states feature steep terrain, which is highly susceptible to rapid runoff and saturation. Consequently, authorities and residents are bracing for the potential for life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in mountainous or hilly regions where ground stability can be compromised by excessive moisture.
Government Warnings Issued
In response to the developing threat from Hurricane Flossie, the Mexican government has issued tropical storm warnings and watches for portions of its southwestern coastline. A tropical storm warning has been put into effect for the area stretching from Punta San Telmo to Playa Perula. This warning signifies that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected in the specified area within 36 hours.
Further along the coast, a tropical storm watch is in place from Zihuatanejo to Cabo Corrientes. A watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the designated area, typically within 48 hours. These advisories underscore the need for coastal communities to remain vigilant and prepare for potentially hazardous weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf.
Context and Regional Activity
The formation of Hurricane Flossie on Mexico’s Pacific coast follows recent significant tropical cyclone activity on the country’s Atlantic side. Just prior to Flossie’s intensification, Tropical Storm Barry made landfall on Mexico’s east coast before subsequently weakening. While occurring in different ocean basins, the back-to-back nature of these systems highlights the active phase of the hurricane season currently impacting Mexico.
Authorities are urging residents in the warned and watched areas along the Pacific coast to monitor official advisories from the NHC and local meteorological services, take necessary precautions, and be prepared to follow instructions from civil protection agencies. The threat of flooding and mudslides is particularly concerning and requires immediate attention from those living in vulnerable areas.
Emergency response teams in the affected states are being mobilized, and preparations are underway to manage potential impacts. While the core of Flossie is expected to remain offshore, its size and strength are sufficient to project significant weather impacts onto land, necessitating a high level of preparedness along the southwestern Mexican coast.
