Hurricane Erick Powers Up to Category 3 as it Approaches Southern Mexico Coast
Hurricane Erick has strengthened into a Category 3 major hurricane as it bears down on the southern Mexico coast, threatening to unleash destructive winds, flash floods, and a dangerous storm surge on the region. The Miami-based U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that Erick had maximum sustained winds of 120 mph by nightfall, churning offshore about 55 miles south-southwest of Puerto Angel.
Erick was also about 160 miles southeast of Punta Maldonado and moving northwest at 9 mph toward an expected landfall sometime Thursday morning, according to the center’s latest advisory. A major hurricane is defined as Category 3 or higher and wind speeds of at least 111 mph. Forecasters said further strengthening is expected, and devastating wind damage is possible near where the eye crashes ashore.
Acapulco Prepares for the Approaching Hurricane
The projected path would take its center near the resort of Acapulco, which was devastated in October 2023 by Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 hurricane that rapidly intensified and caught many unprepared. At least 52 people died in Otis, and 32 were missing after the storm severely damaged almost all of the resort’s hotels.
In Acapulco, there was a strong presence of National Guard and police in the streets, but most visible were trucks from the national power company. Crews worked to clear drainage canals and brush. Some beaches were already closed, but tourists continued to sunbathe on other beaches hours earlier as the storm gained strength well offshore.
Residents Take Precautions
Adrián Acevedo Durantes, 52, hauls tourists around Acapulco’s picturesque coastline in boats. Two of his boats sank in Hurricane Otis, and a third was badly damaged. “We’re taking precautions because with Otis, we never expected one of that magnitude to come, and now with climate change, the water is warmer, and the hurricanes are more powerful,” Acevedo said.
This time, the port administration ordered that no one ride out the storm aboard their boats. During Otis, many lost their lives by staying on boats in the harbor, which had traditionally been how they ensured their safety during previous storms. He said he knew some of those lost at sea.
Some Rush to Finish Storm Preparations
Francisco Casarubio, a 46-year-old choreographer, carried a carton of eggs as he did some last-minute shopping ahead of the storm. He planned to pick up rice, beans, and some canned food as well. His home flooded and lost power in Otis, and he said he was taking Erick more seriously, but hadn’t had time to shop until Wednesday.
Forecasters said Erick was expected to lash Mexico’s Pacific coast with heavy rain, strong winds, and a fierce storm surge. Rains of up to 16 inches could fall across the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, with lesser totals in Chiapas, Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco states, the center’s advisory said. The rainfall threatened flooding and mudslides, especially in areas with steep terrain.
Surfers Ignore Red Flag Warnings to Ride the Waves
Even though the wind had yet to pick up at the Zicatela beach, red flags were up to warn people to stay out of the water. But some surfers ignored them as they continued to ride waves. Laura Velázquez, Mexico’s national civil defense coordinator, said Erick was forecast to bring “torrential” rains to Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas in southern Mexico.
The mountainous region along the coast is especially prone to mudslides, with numerous rivers at risk of flooding. Guerrero Gov. Evelyn Salgado said all schools were closed Wednesday, and the state had alerted all of the fishing and tourism operators to make their boats storm-ready. Acapulco’s port closed Tuesday evening. Salgado said 582 shelters were set to receive people who might evacuate their homes.
Erick Quickly Doubled in Strength
Having doubled in strength in less than a day, Erick was churning through an ideal environment for quick intensification. Last year, there were 34 incidents of rapid intensification — when a storm gains at least 35 mph in 24 hours — which is about twice as many as average and causes problems with forecasting, according to the hurricane center.
President Claudia Sheinbaum warned in her daily briefing that those in the hurricane’s path should heed government instructions and wait out the storm in their homes or designated shelters. The situation is being closely monitored, and residents are advised to stay informed and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hurricane Erick is a powerful storm that poses a significant threat to the southern Mexico coast. Residents are advised to take precautions, follow the instructions of local authorities, and stay informed about the storm’s progress. The situation is being closely monitored, and it is essential to prioritize safety above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the current status of Hurricane Erick?
A: Hurricane Erick is currently a Category 3 major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph.
Q: Where is Hurricane Erick expected to make landfall?
A: The projected path would take its center near the resort of Acapulco, Mexico.
Q: What precautions should residents take?
A: Residents should follow the instructions of local authorities, stay informed about the storm’s progress, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Q: What is the forecast for the storm’s impact?
A: The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and a fierce storm surge, with rains of up to 16 inches possible in some areas.
