Hurricane Flossie has been the star of recent days in the eastern Mexican Pacific. Rapidly evolving from a tropical storm to Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, meteorological and civil protection authorities have maintained vigilance due to the system's intensity and its potential to cause havoc in several coastal states.
Since the beginning of the week, Flossie showed clear signs of intensification. off the coast of southwestern Mexico, prompting the issuance of alerts by the National Meteorological Service (NMS) and the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). Although the cyclone was not expected to make landfall, its influence was felt with torrential rains, strong winds, and a significant increase in waves, primarily affecting the coasts of Michoacán, Colima, Jalisco, and Guerrero.
Strengthening and trajectory of Hurricane Flossie
Flossie formed as a tropical storm on June 29. south of Acapulco, initially moving west-northwestward with sustained winds of about 64 mph (1 km/h). The system soon evolved into a Category 120 hurricane, with winds reaching 150 mph (3 km/h) and gusts of up to 185 mph (220 km/h). Flossie's circulation, combined with warm waters and favorable atmospheric conditions, allowed the hurricane to escalate to Category XNUMX status within hours, reaching sustained winds of XNUMX mph (XNUMX km/h) and occasional gusts of XNUMX mph (XNUMX km/h).
The trajectory always kept the center of the cyclone parallel to the Mexican coast., with no direct landfall forecast, although the outer bands generated significant effects. Flossie's center was located at various distances from key locations such as Manzanillo, Playa Pérula, and Cabo San Lucas over the days, moving slowly northwest at speeds between 11 and 17 km/h.
According to the latest reportsThe hurricane began to gradually weaken as it moved over warmer waters, losing intensity starting on July 2. Forecasts indicated that it would retreat to Category 2 by midday the following day, and over the following days it would eventually weaken to a tropical storm off the Baja California Sur peninsula, finally moving away from Mexican territory.
Affected states and adverse weather conditions
The rains and winds associated with Flossie have significantly affected several regions in western and southern Mexico.Rainfall reached torrential levels in Colima and Michoacán (more than 150 mm in some places), while Jalisco, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Sinaloa, and Nayarit received intense rainfall. This scenario led to the risk of landslides, flooding, and swollen rivers and streams in urban and rural areas.
As for the wind, Gusts of winds between 90 and 120 km/h (6 and XNUMX mph) were recorded along exposed coasts, including Baja California Sur. Waves reached heights of up to XNUMX meters, especially in coastal areas of Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, and Guerrero, which jeopardized navigation and led to the suspension of activities on beaches and in ports.
Thunderstorms and downpours also spread to much of the country., from the Valley of Mexico to Sonora, Chihuahua, Puebla, and Campeche, adding to the civil protection challenges. Mexican authorities urged the population to stay informed of official bulletins, avoid crossing rivers or approaching the sea, and prepare an emergency backpack in case of possible preemptive evacuations.
Areas under alert and official recommendations
A tropical storm warning zone was declared. From Punta San Telmo, Michoacán, to Playa Pérula, Jalisco. In addition, other sections of the coastline were under surveillance between Zihuatanejo and Cabo Corrientes. State and municipal governments, in coordination with Civil Protection and Conagua, activated emergency protocols, prepared shelters, and potentially suspended classes and maritime activities.
The call from the authorities was to heed the warnings and not underestimate the risk., especially given the possibility of flash flooding, landslides, and damage to electrical infrastructure or homes. The period of greatest danger coincided with the hurricane's peak strengthening, although its effects extended beyond the immediate coastal zone.
Flossie's case is not isolated in 2025: it is the sixth cyclone named so far this season in the eastern Pacific, an activity that stands out above the Atlantic, where only two storms have been recorded. Experts warn of the importance of remaining vigilant, as up to 20 cyclones are forecast to form in the region, with several reaching high categories and potentially making landfall.
Recent history shows that other hurricanes have caused significant property damage and casualties, as occurred weeks earlier in Oaxaca and Guerrero. The experience with Flossie reinforces the importance of preparation, good communication, and attention to official sources during hurricane season.
Flossie leaves behind images of heavy rain, waves over six meters high and windswept coastal landscapes., although fortunately the core of the cyclone did not make a direct impact on land. The threat persists for coastal and rural communities due to the possibility of new formations in the Pacific and the continuation of adverse weather conditions.
