Tropical Storm Erick strengthens, heading towards Oaxaca
Hurricane Erick, the fifth-named storm of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, is rapidly intensifying and is forecasted to make landfall in southern Mexico, particularly in western Oaxaca, on Thursday, June 19.
As of 5 p.m. Eastern Time Wednesday, Hurricane Erick had upgraded to a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of nearly 110 mph. The storm is expected to rapidly strengthen and become a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) by Wednesday night.
The National Hurricane Center warns that Erick is rapidly intensifying and is forecast to bring potentially destructive winds and life-threatening flash floods to portions of southern Mexico late tonight and Thursday. The center of the storm is forecast to approach the coast of southern Mexico Wednesday night and move inland Thursday.
A hurricane warning is in effect from Acapulco to Puerto Angel, and a tropical storm warning is in effect for east of Puerto Angel to Salina Cruz and west of Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana. Hurricane-force winds extend 25 miles from Hurricane Erick's center, and tropical storm-force winds extend 90 miles.
Though precise detailed damage predictions for Erick in June 2020 are not explicitly available, similar storms in the area typically cause flooding, mudslides, power outages, fallen trees, and infrastructural damage. For example, Tropical Storm Dalila in the same general region and timeframe brought flooding, mudslides, blackouts, and significant economic losses. Given Erick's status as a rapidly intensifying Category 2 hurricane, impacts likely would have been more severe than Dalila's, including stronger winds and heavier precipitation potentially resulting in greater damage and risk to life.
Well-built framed homes may suffer major damage or require removal of roof decking and gable ends. Major status for Hurricane Erick begins at Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale, with winds between 111 mph and 129 mph. Categories 4 and 5 of Hurricane Erick have the potential for catastrophic damage.
The National Hurricane Center urges preparations to protect life and property to be rushed to completion within the hurricane warning area. Electricity and water may be unavailable for several days to weeks after Hurricane Erick passes. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, potentially blocking numerous roads.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed and follow the instructions of local officials. It is crucial to ensure that emergency kits are stocked with essential items such as food, water, medication, and important documents. Evacuation orders, if issued, should be followed promptly.
In summary, Hurricane Erick is a rapidly intensifying Category 2 storm approaching southern Mexico, posing a significant threat to western Oaxaca. The potential impacts extend beyond wind, including potential for destructive winds and life-threatening flash floods. Preparations to protect life and property should be completed as soon as possible within the hurricane warning area.
- As Hurricane Erick continues its rapid intensification, the potential impacts on the environmental science of the affected region, particularly with regards to climate-change, could be substantial due to increased rainfall and potential changes in the local weather patterns.
- Given the projected trajectory of Hurricane Erick and the expected grounding of this Category 2 storm in the realm of environmental-science, it is crucial to monitor its effects on local ecosystems, as these could provide insights into the short and long-term impacts of such weather events in the future.
