The storm is forecast to rapidly intensify and become a Category 3 hurricane with 115-mph winds before making landfall along the coast of western Oaxaca or eastern Guerrero June 19. Hurricane watches and warnings, along with a tropical storm warning, have been issued.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two tropical waves in the Atlantic: Tropical wave 1: A tropical wave located at 37W from 02N-12N in the central Atlantic is moving west at 11 mph. Tropical wave 2: A central Atlantic tropical wave east of the Caribbean Sea has its axis along 57W south of 17N, is moving west at 11 to 17 mph.

The storm is expected to bring “life-threatening” rainfall, flooding and storm surges, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Last year, NOAA predicted an above-average number of storms, with between 8 and 13 hurricanes. The 2024 season ended up producing 11 hurricanes, five of which strengthened into major hurricanes. Five hurricanes made landfall in the continental U.S., including two — Helene and Milton — that hit as major hurricanes.

Hurricane season has started, but jobs still haven’t been refilled after drastic DOGE cuts, though the administration says it plans to rehire some staff.

The National Hurricane Center is watching a low-pressure area east of Bermuda for potential development as the season's first storm.