Brace for Heightened Hurricane Season: Tropical Depression Two Nears Mexico as Severe Storms Threaten Central US

Over the past 24 hours, the Atlantic hurricane season has entered a new phase of heightened activity, consistent with NOAA’s earlier prediction of an above-normal season with 13 to 19 named storms and up to five major hurricanes this year. Early Sunday morning, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued updated advisories on Tropical Depression Two, which is currently in the western Gulf of Mexico and is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Barry by Sunday afternoon. Forecasters warn that the depression is approaching Mexico’s east coast and could make landfall as early as Monday, bringing the likelihood of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and potential flooding to coastal communities in the region. Marine warnings remain in effect for the Gulf of America and Eastern Pacific, urging residents and maritime interests to remain vigilant as conditions can deteriorate quickly in these areas[1][4][5].

Elsewhere in the Atlantic, there are no other active named storms at this time, as the remnants of Tropical Storm Andrea—which formed in the central Atlantic last week—have dissipated and no longer pose a threat. However, the NHC continues to monitor the broader basin for any newly developing systems, especially as seasonal conditions become increasingly favorable for cyclogenesis[1][2][8]. In the Eastern Pacific, NHC is also issuing advisories for Tropical Depression Six-E, though this system is currently less of a concern for land impacts and continues to be monitored primarily for marine hazards[1][4].

Significant weather is not limited to tropical activity. The National Weather Service highlights ongoing severe thunderstorms and possible heavy rainfall across portions of the central and eastern United States this weekend. These storms could produce large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes—posing localized hazards to communities from the northern Plains to the Upper Midwest. Flash flooding remains a risk in areas expecting intense rainfall rates[3].

Looking ahead, the focus will remain on the progression of Tropical Depression Two as it nears the Mexican coast, and on the ongoing severe weather threat across the United States. With NOAA projecting a busy hurricane season, coastal residents are urged to stay closely tuned to the NHC and local weather updates, heed advisories and evacuation instructions, and prepare for rapidly changing conditions as the season advances[4][7].