Overview and Relevance
Hurricane Erick has intensified into a Category 1 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale in the Pacific Ocean near Mexico’s southwestern coast, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the United States and Mexico’s National Water Commission (CONAGUA).
Current Status
As of early Wednesday, Hurricane Erick is located approximately 255 kilometers south-southeast of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca, with maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (km/h), gusts up to 140 km/h, and moving northwest at 11 km/h.
Impact and Warnings
- Heavy rainfall expected in Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas due to the storm’s bands and moisture transport.
- Wind speeds of 100 to 120 km/h with gusts up to 130 to 150 km/h along the coasts of Oaxaca and Chiapas.
- Wind speeds of 40 to 60 km/h with gusts up to 70 to 90 km/h in Guerrero.
- Waves of 5 to 6 meters high in Oaxaca and Chiapas, and 4 to 5 meters high in Guerrero.
Potential Intensification and Risks
Given favorable conditions, Hurricane Erick could strengthen into a major Category 3 or higher before entering Mexico’s territory, as per CONAGUA.
- Heavy rainfall may cause landslides, increased river and stream levels, and flooding in low-lying areas of the affected states.
- Authorities urge the public to heed warnings from the National Meteorological Service and follow recommendations from Civil Protection.
- Approximately 2,000 temporary shelters have been set up in Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas in anticipation of heavy rains.
Historical Context
Mexico frequently experiences cyclones along both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts from May to November. In October 2023, Acapulco was hit by Hurricane Otis, which rapidly intensified to Category 5 and caused significant destruction, resulting in around 50 deaths and approximately 30 people missing.
In September 2024, the southern Pacific coast of Mexico was struck twice by Hurricane John, which reached Category 3 status and led to at least 15 fatalities, most of whom were in Acapulco.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the current status of Hurricane Erick? A: As of early Wednesday, Hurricane Erick is a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h, located approximately 255 kilometers south-southeast of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca.
- Q: What impacts can we expect from Hurricane Erick? A: Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high waves are expected in Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas.
- Q: How prepared are authorities for Hurricane Erick? A: Around 2,000 temporary shelters have been established in the affected states, and authorities are urging the public to follow warnings and recommendations from Civil Protection.
- Q: How often does Mexico experience cyclones? A: Mexico frequently experiences cyclones along both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts from May to November.
