Background on Tropical Storm Erick
Tropical Storm Erick is currently located approximately 535 kilometers southeast-south of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca, and 535 kilometers southeast of Punta Maldonado, Guerrero. This storm has been causing heavy rainfall in the states of Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and southern Veracruz as of the evening on Tuesday.
Current Status and Movement
According to the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) report at 21:00 on Tuesday, Tropical Storm Erick maintains maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (km/h) with gusts up to 110 km/h. The storm is moving slowly northwest at a speed of 11 km/h, heading towards the coasts of Oaxaca and Chiapas with maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h and gusts up to 110 km/h.
Impact and Warnings
CONAGUA reported that Erick brings “localized intense rainfall (75 to 150 millimeters [mm]) in Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and southern Veracruz, along with winds of 40 to 50 km/h with gusts up to 60 to 80 km/h in the coasts of Oaxaca and Chiapas, and 20 to 30 km/h with gusts up to 40 to 60 km/h in the Guerrero coast. Additionally, wave heights of 2.5 to 3.5 meters are expected along the Guerrero coast.”
CONAGUA extended the preventive zone from Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca, to Acapulco, Guerrero; the hurricane effect warning zone from west of Acapulco to Técpan de Galeana, Guerrero; and the hurricane effect preventive zone from east of Puerto Ángel to Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca. The tormenta tropical preventive zone from east of Puerto Ángel to Salina Cruz, Oaxaca remains in effect.
Potential Impacts and Recommendations
CONAGUA warned that the rainfall may cause landslides, increased river and stream levels, as well as overflows and flooding in low-lying areas. They urge the public to pay attention to warnings from the National Meteorological Service (SMN) and CONAGUA, and follow recommendations from civil protection authorities.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Tropical Storm Erick? Tropical Storm Erick is a weather system characterized by organized thunderstorms with maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph (63-115 km/h).
- Where is Tropical Storm Erick located? As of the latest update, it is approximately 535 kilometers southeast-south of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca, and 535 kilometers southeast of Punta Maldonado, Guerrero.
- What are the current impacts of Tropical Storm Erick? The storm is causing heavy rainfall in Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and southern Veracruz, with localized intense rainfall of 75 to 150 millimeters (mm) and wind speeds ranging from 40 to 80 km/h along the coasts of Oaxaca and Chiapas.
- What preventive measures have been taken? CONAGUA has extended preventive and warning zones along the coasts of Oaxaca and Guerrero, urging the public to stay informed and follow civil protection recommendations.
- What potential hazards should the public be aware of? The public should be prepared for possible landslides, increased river and stream levels, overflows, and flooding in low-lying areas due to the heavy rainfall caused by Tropical Storm Erick.
