Background on Hurricane Erick and its Potential Impact
Hurricane Erick rapidly intensified into a “major hurricane” of Category 3 on Wednesday as it headed towards the Pacific coast of Mexico, between the southern states of Oaxaca and Guerrero. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) of the United States, Erick is expected to bring potentially destructive winds and life-threatening flash floods to parts of southern Mexico on Thursday night and Friday.
Current Status of Hurricane Erick
At 18:00 local time (0000 GMT on Thursday), Erick was located approximately 90 kilometers south-southeast of Puerto Ángel, a coastal town in Oaxaca. The hurricane was moving northwest at 15 km/h, with maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h.
The NHC reported, “Hurricane Erick is now a major hurricane.” They added, “Potentially destructive winds and life-threatening flash floods are expected in parts of southern Mexico tonight and Thursday.”
Impact on Tourist Destinations
The international airport in the popular tourist destination of Acapulco announced that all flights scheduled for Thursday have been canceled due to the approaching hurricane.
Erick will be the first hurricane to make landfall in Mexico during the current hurricane season, which runs from May to November. Scientists have warned that Erick could become the most intense hurricane to make landfall so early in the season along the Pacific coast of Mexico.
The NHC predicts that Erick will bring heavy rainfall, causing flooding and landslides, especially in the mountainous regions of coastal states Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero. Tourist destinations such as Acapulco, Puerto Escondido, Huatulco, and others will be affected by strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Government Response and Precautions
The government of President Claudia Sheinbaum raised the hurricane alert to orange (high risk) from yellow (moderate risk). She urged residents in affected areas to take shelter at home or, if they live in low-lying or riverside areas, to move to designated refuge centers. “Preventive actions and attention continue,” she stated.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current status of Hurricane Erick? At 18:00 local time (0000 GMT on Thursday), Hurricane Erick was a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h, located approximately 90 kilometers south-southeast of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca, and moving northwest at 15 km/h.
- Which areas will be affected by Hurricane Erick? The hurricane is expected to impact the coastal states of Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Guerrero, with potentially destructive winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides. Tourist destinations such as Acapulco, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco will be significantly affected.
- What precautions have been taken by the Mexican government? The government of President Claudia Sheinbaum raised the hurricane alert to orange (high risk) and urged residents in affected areas to take shelter at home or move to designated refuge centers.
- What makes Hurricane Erick significant? Scientists warn that Erick could be the most intense hurricane to make landfall so early in the season along the Pacific coast of Mexico, and it will be the first hurricane to make landfall in Mexico during the current season.
