Hurricane Erick path tracker: Warnings issued for these areas as storm nears Mexico's Pacific coast
Tropical Storm Erick has transformed into a hurricane. The National Hurricane Center stated that the hurricane was expected to bring 'damaging winds and life-threatening flash floods to portions of southern Mexico' on Wednesday night and Thursday.
In its latest update, the center said that Erick is expected to reach 'major hurricane strength' either Wednesday night or early Thursday as it approaches the coast of southern Mexico.
As of 11 am ET Wednesday, Erick had sustained winds of almost 85 mph, CBS News reported. The storm has higher gusts, and hurricane-force winds extend 15 miles from its center. Erick is the fifth-named storm of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season.
The hurricane center, on Wednesday morning, said that Hurricane Erick was located about 160 miles south-southeast of Mexico's Puerto Angelo. A hurricane warning has been issued for areas between Acapulco and Puerto Angel.
A hurricane watch has also been issued from Tecpan de Galeana to west of Acapulco. The hurricane center has issued tropical storm warnings from east of Puerto Angel to Salina Cruz and from west of Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana.
Erick's wind speed could reach 111 mph if the storm strengthens as predicted. This could make it a Category 3 hurricane as per the Saffir-Simpson wind speed scale. You can see live updates on Hurricane Erick's path here.
Also read: Weather today: Severe storms threaten central US as Erick to intensify into major hurricane
The hurricane could result in rainfall between 8 and 16 inches, with a maximum total of 20 inches, across the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guerrero. The rainfall could lead to threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas with steep terrain, the hurricane center warned.
Rainfall between 2 to 4 inches, with a maximum total of 6 inches, is expected across Guatemala as well as the Mexican states of Colima, Chiapas, Michoacán, Jalisco and Mexico City.
A dangerous storm surge can result in coastal flooding, accompanied by large and destructive waves. This is expected to occur near and east of where the center of Erick crosses the coast in areas of onshore winds. Swells generated by Erick will affect coastal areas in southern Mexico through Thursday and may cause 'life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.'
Yes, Erick is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible mudslides to southern coastal Mexico.
The wind speed could be 111 mph if the storm strengthens as predicted.
Yes, a warning has been issued from Acapulco to Puerto Angel.
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Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Hurricane Erick strengthens to Category 3 storm as it approaches Mexico
Hurricane Erick has intensified into a Category 3 major hurricane threatening approaching southern Mexico's coast with destructive winds and heavy rain, the US Hurricane Center said Wednesday evening. The Miami-based center warned Erick has maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 kph) after hours of rapid intensification, strengthening from a Category 1 storm earlier in the day. The cyclone is in the eastern Pacific about 55 miles (90 kilometers) south-southwest of Puerto Angel in Mexico. It's also about 160 miles (260 kilometers) southeast of Punta Maldonado and moving northwest at 9 mph (15 kph), the latest hurricane center advisory said. Hurricane Erick rapidly strengthened Wednesday afternoon into a potent Category 2 storm as it churned toward Mexico's southern coast amid warnings it was likely to become a dangerous major hurricane that would threaten the region with damaging winds, life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. The hurricane's maximum sustained winds had risen by early afternoon to 110 mph (175 kph) as the intensifying storm headed toward an expected landfall sometime Thursday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said. Erick was centered about 85 miles (135 kilometers) south of Puerto ngel, the latest advisory said. The storm's projected path would take its center near the resort of Acapulco, which was devastated in October 2023 by Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 hurricane that rapidly intensified and caught many unprepared. At least 52 people died in Otis and 32 were missing, after the storm severely damaged almost all of the resort's hotels. In Acapulco Wednesday, there was a strong presence of National Guard and police in the streets, but most visible were trucks from the national power company. Crews worked to clear drainage canals and brush. Some beaches were already closed, but tourists continued to sunbathe on others. On a beach in Acapulco, a line of people waited for the help of a backhoe to pull their boats out of the water. Adrin Acevedo Durantes, 52, hauls tourists around Acapulco's picturesque coastline in boats. Two of his boats sank in Hurricane Otis and a third was badly damaged. We're taking precautions because with Otis we never expected one of that magnitude to come and now with climate change the water is warmer and the hurricanes are more powerful, Acevedo said. This time the port administration ordered that no one ride out the storm aboard their boats. During Otis many lost their lives by staying on boats in the harbor, which had traditionally been how they ensured their safety during previous storms. He said knew some of those lost at sea. He acknowledged that it was sunny and the water calm Wednesday afternoon, making it hard to imagine a major storm was on the way, but said with Otis it was calm all day, sunny, then at midnight there were two hours of strong winds and we saw what had happened the next day. Francisco Casarubio, a 46-year-old choreographer, carried a carton of eggs as he did some last-minute shopping ahead of the storm. He planned to pick up rice, beans and some canned food as well. His home flooded and lost power in Otis and said he was taking Erick more seriously, but hadn't had time to shop until Wednesday. Forecasters said Erick was expected to lash Mexico's Pacific coast with heavy rain, strong winds and a fierce storm surge. Rains of up to 16 inches (40 centimeters) could fall across the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, with lesser totals in Chiapas, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco states, the center's advisory said. The rainfall threatened flooding and mudslides, especially in areas with steep terrain. Erick was forecast to reach major hurricane strength late Wednesday near the coast and is then expected to move inland. A major hurricane is defined as Category 3 or higher and wind speeds of at least 111 mph (180 kph).
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Hurricane Erick: Category 3 storm nears Mexico; southern states on high alert
Hurricane Erick jumps to Category 3 storm Hurricane Erick has strengthened into a powerful Category 3 storm and is closing in on Mexico's southern Pacific coast, the US National Hurricane Center said on Wednesday. The NHC has warned that the storm could bring 'potentially destructive winds and life-threatening flash floods.' According to NHC, Erick had maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h) and was moving northwest at a speed of 9 mph (15 km/h). The storm was located about 55 miles (90 kilometres) south-southwest of Puerto Ángel and roughly 160 miles (260 kilometres) southeast of Punta Maldonado. Forecasters said the hurricane is expected to strengthen before making landfall early Thursday, bringing dangerous storm surges, coastal flooding, and destructive waves to parts of the southern coast. States on high alert The Mexican states of Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Chiapas are on high alert, with the government urging residents to move to shelters and avoid risk zones. President Claudia Sheinbaum appealed to the public to stay indoors and follow official instructions. 'We tell the population to stay tuned to official communications, to stay indoors, and not go out,' she said. 'If you are in low-lying areas, near rivers, near waterways, it is best for you to go to shelters, to the shelters that have already been set up for this situation.' She also urged boat owners not to go out to sea. More than 2,000 temporary shelters have been established across the three states, and hundreds of troops, electricity workers, and civil protection teams have been deployed. Local authorities suspended classes, closed ports, and heightened alerts in cities and tourist destinations along the coast, including Acapulco. Communities prepare for flooding Authorities are particularly concerned about the risk of flash floods and mudslides in mountainous regions. Torrential rains are forecast in Guerrero, Oaxaca and Chiapas, with up to 16 inches (40 centimetres) of rainfall expected in some areas. Laura Velázquez, Mexico's national civil defence coordinator, said rivers and dams are being monitored closely. 'Torrential' rain is expected, with risks heightened in regions with steep terrain. Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado confirmed that all schools were closed and 582 shelters had been prepared. The port of Acapulco was shut Tuesday evening, and fishing and tourism operators were advised to secure their equipment. Erick is the fifth named storm of the Pacific hurricane season, which runs through November. Authorities continue to urge residents in the storm's path to take precautions seriously and stay informed. 'Strongest storm in Mexico' Having doubled in strength in less than a day, Hurricane Erick rapidly intensified as it moved through ideal conditions off Mexico's southern coast. Scientists say this rapid intensification — defined as a storm gaining at least 35 mph in 24 hours — has become more frequent in a warmer climate. Erick surged by 50 mph in just 18 hours, and forecasters expect it to strengthen further. 'It's likely that when Erick hits, it will be the strongest storm to make landfall in that part of Mexico this early in the season,' said University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy. Experts note that while Erick is powerful, it differs from the deadly Hurricane Otis, which struck Acapulco in October 2023 after forming over deeper, warmer waters. The current storm's environment is slightly cooler below the surface, though surface temperatures remain high. 'It's got a good stormy eye forming,' said atmospheric scientist Kristen Corbosiero, adding the storm's surroundings are 'extremely moist,' which fuels its growth.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
Hurricane Erick intensifies: What to know about its path and how to remain safe
Hurricane Erick is gaining momentum as it tracks toward Mexico's southern coastline, prompting warnings across multiple states. As the fifth named storm of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, Erick is expected to intensify into a major hurricane before making landfall. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now As per reports, Erick had sustained winds near 85 mph, with stronger gusts reported. Hurricane-force winds extended 15 miles from the center, while tropical storm-force winds reached as far as 70 miles. The storm, currently listed as Category 1, is forecast to continue strengthening and make landfall Thursday, with the possibility of reaching Category 3 intensity. A hurricane warning is currently in effect from Acapulco to Puerto Angel, and a hurricane watch extends westward to Texpan de Galeana. What to expect: Wind, rain, and coastal flooding Category 3 hurricanes can cause widespread structural damage and long-term service disruptions. "Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends," officials noted. "Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes." The hurricane is expected to bring heavy rainfall with 8 to 16 inches projected for Oaxaca and Guerrero, and up to 20 inches in some areas. This raises the risk of flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain. Chiapas, Michoacan, Colima, Jalisco, and Mexico City may receive between 3 and 5 inches of rain. Storm surge and destructive waves are also likely along the coast, especially near areas already vulnerable from past storms. Acapulco, which was hit hard by Hurricane Otis in October 2023, is again in the projected path. Final preparations urged as storm nears With Erick intensifying and landfall expected soon, emergency services and local authorities are urging people in affected areas to take all necessary precautions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion," they stated. How to stay safe: Precautions to take before Hurricane Erick arrives If you're in the areas expected to be affected by Hurricane Erick, it's important to act quickly and prepare. Here are key steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your property: Secure your home: Reinforce doors and windows, and bring outdoor furniture or loose objects inside to prevent them from becoming projectiles. Stock up on essentials: Gather enough water, non-perishable food, medications, batteries, flashlights, and hygiene supplies to last several days. Charge your devices: Make sure your phone, power banks, and any necessary electronics are fully charged in case of power outages. Know your evacuation zone: Along with the precautionary measures, it is advised to stay informed about local evacuation routes and shelters, and be ready to leave if authorities issue an order. Avoid risky areas: Stay away from coastal zones, rivers, or steep hills where flooding and mudslides are more likely. Prepare an emergency kit: Include first-aid supplies, copies of important documents, extra clothes, and cash in a waterproof bag. Stay informed: Keep monitoring updates from local authorities through reliable news sources, weather apps, or emergency alerts. Check on others: Help neighbors, especially elderly people or those with special needs, make preparations or reach safety if needed.
