Tropical Storm Amanda Forms in Eastern Pacific, Threatens Central America With Heavy Rainfall
GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala – The National Hurricane Center has confirmed the formation of Tropical Storm Amanda in the eastern Pacific Ocean, marking the first named storm of the 2025 hurricane season. The storm, located approximately 150 miles south-southeast of the Guatemala-El Salvador border, is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour with higher gusts.
What: Tropical Storm Amanda, characterized by a low-pressure system with organized thunderstorm activity, is producing torrential rainfall across a broad area. The storm is expected to weaken into a tropical depression within 48 hours as it interacts with land.
When: The storm formed early Monday morning local time. Forecast models indicate the system will make landfall along the Pacific coast of Guatemala by late Monday evening, with the heaviest precipitation anticipated through Tuesday.
Where: The primary areas of impact include the coastal regions of Guatemala and El Salvador, extending inland across western Honduras and southern Mexico. Flash flooding and mudslides are considered a significant threat in mountainous terrain.
Why: Tropical Storm Amanda developed due to a combination of warm sea surface temperatures exceeding 84 degrees Fahrenheit and low vertical wind shear in the eastern Pacific basin, providing favorable conditions for tropical cyclone formation.
How: Residents in affected regions are urged to monitor local emergency broadcasts and prepare for potential evacuations. The storm is expected to deliver up to 15 inches of rain in isolated areas, which could trigger catastrophic flooding and landslides. Authorities in Guatemala have issued a red alert for six departments, while El Salvador's civil protection agency has activated emergency response protocols. The storm's path and intensity will be closely tracked by the Hurricane Center as it continues to progress inland.