Background on Erick and its Potential Impact
Tropical Storm Erick, which could strengthen into a major hurricane (category 3, 4, or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale), is currently located approximately 335 kilometers south-southeast of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca, and 535 kilometers southeast of Punta Maldonado, Guerrero. According to Mexico’s National Water Commission (CONAGUA), the storm has maximum sustained wind speeds of 95 kilometers per hour (km/h) with gusts up to 110 km/h.
Current Conditions and Forecast
- Rainfall: Erick continues to bring heavy rainfall (75 to 150 millimeters [mm]) in Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and southern Veracruz.
- Wind: Winds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour (km/h) with gusts up to 60 to 80 km/h are expected along the coasts of Oaxaca and Chiapas, and 20 to 30 km/h with gusts up to 40 to 60 km/h along the coast of Guerrero.
- Waves: Significant wave heights of 2.5 to 3.5 meters are forecasted for the coasts of Oaxaca and Chiapas, and 1.5 to 2.5 meters for the coast of Guerrero.
Government Response and Precautions
The Mexican government has urged authorities at all levels and the general public to implement protective measures against the potential effects of Tropical Storm Erick, which is approaching the coasts of Oaxaca and Chiapas.
Warning Zones
- Preventive Zone for Hurricane Effects: Stretches from Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca, to Acapulco, Guerrero.
- Vigilance Zone for Hurricane Effects: Extends from west of Acapulco to Técpan de Galeana, Guerrero.
- Preventive Zone for Hurricane Effects: Reaches from east of Puerto Ángel to Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca.
- Preventive Zone for Tropical Storm Effects: Continues from east of Puerto Ángel to Salina Cruz, Oaxaca.
Anticipated Rainfall and Associated Risks
The National Weather Service (SMN) has forecasted a period of heavy rainfall from yesterday to today across Guerrero, Veracruz, Tabasco, Puebla, central Mexico, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Michoacán. This rainfall may cause landslides, increased river and stream levels, and potential flooding in low-lying areas of the mentioned states.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current status of Tropical Storm Erick? Erick is located south-southeast of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca, and southeast of Punta Maldonado, Guerrero. It has maximum sustained wind speeds of 95 km/h with gusts up to 110 km/h.
- Which areas are at risk due to Erick? Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, southern Veracruz, and parts of central Mexico are at risk due to heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding.
- What actions have been taken by the Mexican government? The government has urged authorities and the public to implement protective measures against Erick’s potential effects.
- What warning zones have been established? Several warning zones have been set up, including preventive and vigilance zones for hurricane effects and a preventive zone for tropical storm effects, covering various coastal regions in Oaxaca and Guerrero.
- What risks does the anticipated rainfall pose? Heavy rainfall may lead to landslides, increased river and stream levels, and potential flooding in low-lying areas across the affected regions.
