Background on Hurricane “Erick”
Hurricane “Erick,” initially classified as a Category 4 storm on the 5-point Saffir-Simpson scale, made landfall in Mexico on Thursday along the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the United States.
Initial Impact and Warnings
At 05:30 AM CDMX time, Hurricane “Erick” as a Category 3 storm in the Saffir-Simpson scale touched land in Mexico, specifically in the municipality of Santiago Pinotepa Nacional, Oaxaca. The NHC reported via social media that the massive Hurricane “Erick” made landfall in western Oaxaca, just east of Punta Maldonado. Maximum sustained winds were estimated around 205 kilometers per hour.
Impact and Effects
“Erick” brings extraordinary rains to Oaxaca, heavy rains in Guerrero and Chiapas, wind gusts over 250 kilometers per hour, and waves 8 to 10 meters high along the coasts of Oaxaca and Guerrero. Chiapas experiences wind gusts of 100 to 120 kilometers per hour and waves 4 to 5 meters high. Additionally, there is a storm surge of 3 to 3.5 meters along the coast of Oaxaca, and waterspouts off the coast of Oaxaca. The Mexican National Weather Service (SMN) in coordination with the NHC has issued warnings and precautionary measures for various regions.
- Prevention Zone: Acapulco, Guerrero, to Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca
- Vigilance Zone: West of Acapulco to Técpan de Galeana, Guerrero
- Prevention Zone: East of Puerto Ángel to Salina Cruz, Oaxaca
- Prevention Zone: West of Acapulco to Técpan de Galeana, Guerrero
Hurricane “Erick” is close to the coasts of Oaxaca and Guerrero, expected to impact these regions as a powerful Category 4 hurricane between Lagunas de Chacahua, Oaxaca, and Punta Maldonado, Guerrero over the coming hours.
Potential Consequences
The heavy rains could lead to landslides, increased river and stream levels, and potential flooding in low-lying areas of the affected states. The SMN urges the public to heed their warnings and follow recommendations from civil protection authorities.
