Overview of Tropical Storm Erick
Tropical Storm Erick is currently located approximately 325 kilometers south-southwest of Boca de Pijijiapan, Chiapas, and 370 kilometers south-southeast of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (km/h).
Forecasted Impact
According to Mexico’s National Water Commission (CONAGUA), Tropical Storm Erick will bring intense rainfall of 75 to 150 millimeters (mm) in Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and the southern parts of Veracruz. Wind speeds are expected to range from 30 to 50 kilometers per hour (km/h) with gusts of 60 to 80 km/h along the coasts of Oaxaca and Chiapas, and 10 to 20 km/h with gusts of 30 to 50 km/h along the coast of Guerrero.
Hurricane Warning
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the United States predicts that Erick will strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane in the coming hours. As of their latest report, Erick is located 430 kilometers off the coast of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca, with maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h.
Precautionary Measures
CONAGUA has issued prevention zones from Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca, to Punta Maldonado, Guerrero, and vigilance zones from western Punta Maldonado to Acapulco, Guerrero, as well as from eastern Puerto Ángel to Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca. A tropical storm warning is also in effect for the southern regions of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas.
Potential Intensity
The Mexican Meteorological Service (SMN) estimates that Erick could reach Category 2 status on the Saffir-Simpson scale by late Wednesday. The Mexican government warns that there is a possibility of Erick intensifying further to a higher category (3 or more) before making landfall in the Oaxaca-Guerrero border area during Wednesday night or Thursday morning.
Expected Rainfall and Preparations
Heavy rainfall is anticipated in the southern states of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. Authorities have set up around 2,000 temporary shelters for residents in these areas. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged the public to pay close attention to reports from civil protection agencies.
Historical Context
Mexico frequently experiences cyclones along both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts from May to November. In October 2023, the port of Acapulco was hit by Hurricane Otis, which rapidly intensified to Category 5 status on the Saffir-Simpson scale, causing significant destruction, at least 50 deaths, and around 30 people reported missing.
In September 2024, the southern Pacific coast of Mexico was struck twice by Hurricane John, which reached Category 3 status and resulted in at least 15 fatalities, most of whom were in Acapulco.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the current status of Tropical Storm Erick? A: Tropical Storm Erick is located approximately 325 kilometers south-southwest of Boca de Pijijiapan, Chiapas, with maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h.
- Q: What areas will be affected by Tropical Storm Erick? A: Intense rainfall and strong winds are expected in Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and southern Veracruz.
- Q: What is the predicted intensity of Tropical Storm Erick? A: Erick is expected to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane, potentially reaching Category 2 or higher before making landfall.
- Q: How are authorities preparing for the impact of Tropical Storm Erick? A: Authorities have set up temporary shelters and urged the public to stay informed about civil protection reports.
- Q: What is Mexico’s history with cyclones? A: Mexico experiences cyclones annually along both coasts, with recent examples including Hurricane Otis in October 2023 and Hurricane John in September 2024.
