Hurricane Erick Threatens Mexico: Category 3 Storm Prompts Alerts

Hurricane Erick Threatens Mexico

Hurricane Erick has intensified into a powerful Category 3 storm, rapidly approaching Mexico's southern Pacific coast. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings for potentially destructive winds and life-threatening flash floods.

Storm Details and Projections

According to the NHC, Hurricane Erick has maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h) and is moving northwest. The storm is expected to make landfall early Thursday, bringing dangerous storm surges, coastal flooding, and destructive waves to parts of the southern coast.

States on High Alert

The Mexican states of Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Chiapas are on high alert. The government is urging residents to move to shelters and avoid risk zones. More than 2,000 temporary shelters have been established across the three states.

Flooding Concerns

Authorities are particularly concerned about the risk of flash floods and mudslides in mountainous regions. Torrential rains are forecast, with up to 16 inches (40 centimetres) of rainfall expected in some areas.

Erick is the fifth named storm of the Pacific hurricane season. Residents are urged to take precautions and stay informed.

Rapid Intensification

Having doubled in strength in less than a day, Hurricane Erick rapidly intensified as it moved through ideal conditions off Mexico’s southern coast. Erick surged by 50 mph in just 18 hours, and forecasters expect it to strengthen further.

Experts note that while Erick is powerful, it differs from the deadly Hurricane Otis, which struck Acapulco in October 2023.