"Hurricane Erick, deemed extremely hazardous, hits land in Mexico"
Hurricane Erick Slams into Mexico's Coast, Unleashing Fury
The powerful Category 3 Hurricane Erick smashed into Mexico's western state of Oaxaca early Thursday, as reported by the National Hurricane Center in Miami. The hurricane's center was approximately 20 miles (30 kilometers) east of Punta Maldonado, with maximum sustained winds clocked at 125 mph (205 kph). It was moving northwest at 9 mph (15 kph).
Erick, initially a Category 4 hurricane, had slightly weakened before landfall, but it remains a significant threat. As a Category 3 hurricane, Erick can generate winds of up to 129 mph (210 kph). The hurricane threaded the needle between the popular resorts of Acapulco and Puerto Escondido, targeting a sparsely populated stretch of coastline near the border of Oaxaca and Guerrero states. The coastal low-lying area is covered in agricultural fields and small fishing villages.
The storm is forecasted to rapidly weaken as it crosses the coastal mountains of southern Mexico, potentially dissipating by late Thursday or early Friday. However, it will leave behind a legacy of heavy rains, strong winds, and a destructive storm surge. Rains of up to 16 inches (40 centimeters) could inundate Oaxaca and Guerrero, increasing the risk of flooding and mudslides.
Acapulco, a resort city of nearly 1 million, had warned residents about the impending storm due to the horrific destruction wrought by Hurricane Otis two years earlier, a Category 5 storm that left 52 people dead and severely damaged many hotels. The city had braced for another assault, with schools closing and essential services on high alert.
The storm threatened flash floods, dangerous storm surges, and destructive winds in its path. Acapulco initially escaped the worst of Erick's powerful wind gusts, with Puerto Escondido bearing the brunt of the storm. Stores closed, and residents stocked up on necessities as waves crashed onto the esplanade, inundating fishing boats and flooding waterfront restaurants.
As Erick churned through an ideal environment for intensification, threats of rapid intensification, which can cause issues with forecasting, are becoming increasingly common, as seen by the 34 instances recorded last year. Despite the ongoing impacts and preparations, residents continue to fear the aftermath of heavy rains, especially in mountainous regions prone to landslides.
Officials have advised residents to follow updates from local civil protection agencies and be prepared for travel disruptions and potential shelter preparations. Emergency teams are on standby, ready to deploy once conditions allow for safe and effective service. Roads and infrastructure may remain compromised for several days due to flooding and landslides.
Stay informed, be diligent, and take the necessary precautions to safeguard yourself and your loved ones as Hurricane Erick continues to move inland.
- The weather forecast predicts heavy rains, strong winds, and a destructive storm surge from Hurricane Erick as it moves inland after hitting Mexico's coast.
- As Hurricane Erick rapidly weakens, it will leave behind significant weather impacts, including potential flooding and mudslides in Oaxaca and Guerrero, according to local civil protection agencies.
