Mexican officials warn of life-threatening conditions as Hurricane Erick gains strength, with preparations underway to protect vulnerable communities.
Hurricane Erick Intensifies as Mexico Prepares for Impact
Hurricane Erick Intensifies as Mexico Prepares for Impact
An extremely dangerous Category 4 Hurricane Erick approaches Mexico's Pacific coast, prompting urgent warnings.
Hurricane Erick has escalated into an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 storm, making its way toward Mexico's Pacific coastline, as confirmed by the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). With maximum sustained winds reaching 230km/h (145mph) as of late Wednesday local time, forecasters predict potential further intensification before it makes landfall. The storm is expected to impact primarily the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, raising concerns over "devastating wind damage."
In response to the imminent threat, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged residents in the path of the storm to remain vigilant, advising them to "stay tuned to official communications, to stay indoors, and not go out." A hurricane warning has been issued for a 500km stretch of the Pacific coast, from the popular resort town of Acapulco to Puerto Ángel. The NHC has cautioned residents in Guerrero and Oaxaca about the risks of life-threatening floods and dangerous swells.
President Sheinbaum further appealed for those in low-lying areas near rivers or waterways to seek refuge in pre-established shelters. Authorities have set up around 2,000 shelters throughout Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca, with over 18,000 first responders deployed to assist in hurricane preparation efforts.
This season marks the first hurricane expected to reach land in Mexico, with the hurricane season spanning from early June to late November. Last October, Hurricane Otis—classified as a Category 5 storm—claimed at least 50 lives in Acapulco when it made landfall unexpectedly. The rapid intensification of Otis caught many residents off guard, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness.
