Hurricane Erick is forecast to bring heavy rain, strong winds, storm surge, and possible mudslides to southern coastal Mexico, the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned, causing potential “life-threatening flooding and mudslides.” The storm, which grew into a Category 2 hurricane on Wednesday, is packing maximum sustained winds of 155km/h (100 mph).
According to the NHC, Erick is located 165km (105 miles) from the town of Puerto Angel in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca. “Rapid strengthening is expected today, and Erick may reach major hurricane strength when it approaches the coast of southern Mexico Thursday,” the NHC said.
A hurricane warning was in effect from Acapulco to Puerto Angel, with the NHC advising that preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged the population to be alert, warning residents in the hurricane’s path to listen for government instructions and to wait it out in their homes or government shelters.
Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado said all schools were closed and the state had alerted all of the fishing and tourism operators of the risk of the coming storm and recommended they prepare their boats. She added that 582 shelters were prepared to receive people who might evacuate their homes.
The storm’s projected path would take its centre near the renowned resort of Acapulco, which was devastated in October 2023 by Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 hurricane that left a trail of destruction and killed at least 52 people. The government is working to ensure that the necessary precautions are taken to minimize the impact of the storm.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents and tourists are advised to stay informed and follow the instructions of local authorities. The Mexican government is taking steps to mitigate the effects of the hurricane, and emergency services are on standby to respond to any situations that may arise.