Tropical Storm Barbara Kills Two, 14 Fishermen Missing After Former Hurricane Floods Mexico

The wrath that was Tropical Storm Barbara, formerly known as Hurricane Barbara before being downgraded mid-storm, resulted in two deaths after storm-related floods hit the Pacific Coast of Mexico on Wednesday.

According to a report from NBC News, the first storm of the 2013 hurricane season is responsible for the death of a 61-year-old U.S. male who reportedly drowned while surfing at a beach in Santa Cruz, and a 26-year-old Mexico native who was killed while trying to cross a river. According to multiple reports, 14 Oaxaca state-based fishermen have allegedly been reported missing following the storm.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported winds of up to 60 miles per hour, resulting in intense rainfall and extensive power outages in the region. Small vessels near the affected area were closed, and some residents evacuated as a precaution. According to USA Today, coastal schools in Oaxaca suspended classes for the remainder of the week, with many educational facilities converting to emergency shelters for affected residents.

Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said the Pacific was forecast to have a “below to normal” 2013 hurricane season, with 11 to 16 storms predicted for the region. The East Coast was less fortunate, as the NOAA reported that the Atlantic hurricane period is expected to be more “active” than normal with an anticipated 20 storms.