Tropical Storm Erick Reinforces to a Category 3 Hurricane along the Western Coast of Mexico
Hurricane Erick Unleashes Havoc on Mexico's Pacific Coast
Hurricane Erick etched its path of destruction on Mexico's southern Pacific Coast, rapidly strengthening into a formidable Category 3 storm on Wednesday before making landfall early Thursday. The meteorological beast is now rigorously lashing the coastal areas with potentially devastating winds and life-threatening flash flooding.
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, the relentless storm is a major hurricane, boasting maximum sustained winds of 195 kph (121 mph). As reported at 6 p.m. CST (2300 GMT), Erick was positioned about 90 km (approximately 56 miles) from the popular tourist hub Puerto Angel, where a hurricane warning is in effect through westward to the legendary resort city of Acapulco.
"A hurricane hunter aircraft has confirmed that Erick is a major hurricane," the NHC stated in its latest update.
The approaching Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale—which denotes extremely dangerous conditions capable of causing catastrophic damage—is anticipated to mark the first hurricane to strike Mexico's shores during this season, lasting from May to November. Predictions indicate an active, above-average season, with estimates of between eight and 11 hurricanes and four to six of those reaching major hurricane status.
Scientists have cautioned that Erick could ascend to the most destructive hurricane to make landfall along Mexico's Pacific coast at this early stage of the season.
Emergency Preparations and Impacts
The states of Oaxaca and Guerrero are projected to endure up to 16 inches (approximately 41 cm) of rain, as per the NHC. With such torrential downpours, both states have proactively initiated emergency planning and preventive measures with their local authorities. Over 18,000 first responders have been mobilized, and more than 500 temporary shelters have been activated.
Due to Hurricane Erick's impending arrival, Mexican authorities have been coordinating evacuation and care efforts for tourists in prominent beach destinations, such as Acapulco—which is still reeling from Hurricane Otis' devastation in October 2023. Acapulco's international airport has halted all flights scheduled for Thursday.
Residents of flood-prone areas have been urged by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to remain indoors and seek refuge in shelters. Additionally, the Mexican national water commission, Conagua, has issued a warning about the potential for landslides and flooding in coastal areas due to the hurricane. Such precipitation could result in waves reaching heights of up to 6 meters (20 feet).
In retrospect, Hurricane Erick's toll
As of June 20, 2025, Hurricane Erick has made landfall on Mexico's Pacific coast and is now weakening after causing widespread devastation. previous hurricane seasons, At landfall, it was a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of approximately 125 mph (200 km/h). After landfall, Erick quickly weakened while moving inland over Oaxaca, degenerating from a major hurricane to a post-tropical cyclone as convection dissipated.
Heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and landslides rained down on affected areas, particularly along steep terrains. At least 19 fatalities, 27 injuries, and three missing persons have been reported due to the storm and its aftermath. Around 30,000 residents lost electricity and cellphone service in places like Puerto Escondido.
Government agencies had issued hurricane warnings for the coastal regions of Oaxaca and Guerrero prior to the storm's impact.
The weather-forecasting agencies had predicted the imminent arrival and the potential severity of Hurricane Erick, leading to emergency preparations in the coastal areas of Mexico. With the weather-forecasting data in hand, authorities initiated evacuation and care efforts, activated temporary shelters, and mobilized first responders.
The weakening Hurricane Erick, after causing widespread destruction on Mexico's Pacific coast, is now under scrutiny for its weather-related impacts. The storm has resulted in fatalities, injuries, and missing persons, and left thousands without electricity and cellphone service in affected areas.
