Former Tropical Depression Two strengthened to Tropical Storm Barry over the western Bay of Campeche on Sunday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Barry was located at latitude 20.4°N and longitude 96.2°W which put the center about 90 miles (145 km) east-southeast of Tuxpan, Mexico. Barry was moving toward the northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Boca de Catan to Tecolutla, Mexico.
A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft found that former Tropical Depression Two had strengthened to Tropical Storm Barry. The aircraft found a distinct low level center of circulation. It also found an area where the sustained wind speed was at tropical storm force. Based on data collected by the reconnaissance flight, the U.S. National Hurricane Center upgraded the system to Tropical Storm Barry.
The circulation around Tropical Storm Barry was exhibiting evidence of strong vertical wind shear. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern side of Barry’s circulation. Bands in the western side of Tropical Storm Barry consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.
The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Barry was also asymmetrical. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Barry’s circulation. The winds in the other parts of Tropical Storm Barry were blowing at less than tropical storm force.
Tropical Storm Barry will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Barry will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over southern Mexico. The upper level ridge will produce strong westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Barry’s circulation. Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear. The vertical wind shear will inhibit further intensification, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent some additional intensification. Tropical Storm Barry could intensify a little more during the next few hours.
Tropical Storm Barry will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that extends from the Atlantic Ocean to over the Gulf of Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Barry toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Barry will make landfall between Tuxpan and Tampico in a few hours.
Tropical Storm Barry will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to coastal sections of the state of Veracruz. Heavy rain could cause flash floods, especially in mountainous areas.
