Tropical Storm Barry made landfall off the Gulf Coast of Mexico on Thursday morning, packing 40 mph winds as it heads west near Veracruz. High wind has been detected up to 80 miles away from the center of the storm.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says Barry has the potential to bring five to ten inches of rain, causing emergency workers to ready shelters in advance of possible flash floods and mudslides. Schools and churches have been stocked with bedding, water and food for up to 306,000 people.

According to Reuters, Barry is threatening oil and power installations in Mexico, including the Minatitlan oil refinery and the Laguna Verda nuclear power plant, both located in Veracruz. Three major Mexical oil export terminals were closed yesterday due to rain and reduced visibility.

The storm is expected to continue into Friday morning.

Andrea, the first named storm of 2013, landed in Charleston on June 6 and spawned nine tornadoes in Florida as it moved along the East Coast, downing power lines and causing residential roof damage.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, is expected to be “extremely active” with predictions of up to 20 tropical storms and 11 hurricanes.

Special Reports /

Barry, 2nd Storm of 2013, Makes Landfall in Mexico

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