As of early Thursday morning local time, Hurricane Erick has rapidly intensified into a perilous Category 4 cyclone, progressing towards Mexico’s Pacific coastline, according to the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC).
With maximum sustained winds reaching approximately 220 km/h (140 mph), the storm poses a significant threat as it approaches land.
Meteorologists anticipate landfall within hours, primarily affecting the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, where the NHC warns of potentially “catastrophic wind damage”.
In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged residents in the storm’s trajectory to remain alert to official updates, stay indoors, and avoid going outside unnecessarily.
A hurricane warning is currently in place along a 500 km (300-mile) stretch of the Pacific coast, spanning from the popular tourist destination of Acapulco to Puerto Ángel.
Residents in Guerrero and Oaxaca have been advised to prepare for life-threatening flooding and hazardous swells.
“If you live in low-lying areas or near bodies of water, seeking refuge in designated shelters is strongly recommended,” emphasized President Sheinbaum.
Additionally, those residing in mountainous regions should remain vigilant for potential mudslides.
Approximately 2,000 emergency shelters have been established across the states of Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca, with over 18,000 emergency responders mobilized in readiness for the hurricane’s impact.
This cyclone marks the first major storm to make landfall in Mexico during the 2025 hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30.
Notably, in October 2023, Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm, devastated Acapulco, resulting in the loss of at least 50 lives as many were caught off-guard by its rapid intensification.
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