Hurricane tracker 2025: Eric nearing Pacific coast - Mexicans and Americans need to keep these things handy

Time of India

7 hours ago

Hurricane tracker 2025: Eric nearing Pacific coast - Mexicans and Americans need to keep these things handy-
Hurricane Erick 2025: Stronger storm heads for Mexico's Pacific coast, residents urged to stay alert. Hurricane Erick is rapidly strengthening as it moves closer to Mexico's Pacific coast, bringing serious concerns of flooding, mudslides, and high winds to parts of southern Mexico. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported on Wednesday that Erick, currently a Category 1 hurricane, is likely to reach major hurricane status—Category 3 or higher—by Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
With maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph) and movement northwest at 8 mph (13 kph), Erick was last located about 130 miles (205 kilometers) south-southeast of Puerto Ángel, Mexico. Heavy rainfall is forecast across multiple states, raising fears of flooding, especially in mountainous areas. As of now, warnings are in place and preparations are underway in the coastal states of Oaxaca and Guerrero.
Right now,
Hurricane Eric
is moving
northwest
, and forecasts suggest it could become a Category 3 major hurricane before making landfall sometime on Thursday, June 19. The likely impact zone includes Puerto Ángel to Acapulco, according to Mexico's CONAGUA weather agency. Heavy rains, winds, and storm surges are expected to affect coastal regions including Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Colima, and Jalisco.
Eric is also bringing dangerous ocean swells and could cause
life-threatening flooding and mudslides
, especially in mountainous regions.
Rainfall estimates
range from
8 to 16 inches
, and some places may even get over
20 inches
, making it extremely risky for people living near hillsides or riverbanks.
Mexico's President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, Guerrero's Governor Evelyn Salgado, and National Civil Protection Coordinator Laura Velázquez have all urged people to stay alert and follow evacuation instructions if asked to move.
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Where is Hurricane Erick heading and how strong could it become?
The hurricane's projected path puts the center of the storm near Acapulco, a resort city still recovering from Hurricane Otis in 2023. Otis, a Category 5 hurricane, devastated Acapulco last year, killing at least 52 people and leaving 32 missing. Erick, although currently a Category 1, is expected to intensify rapidly and may reach wind speeds exceeding 111 mph (180 kph), qualifying it as a major hurricane.
According to the latest NHC advisory, Erick could make landfall on Thursday near Mexico's southern coast. The storm's impact is expected to be significant in areas that are highly vulnerable due to steep terrain and poorly prepared infrastructure.
Which areas are most at risk from Hurricane Erick's rainfall?
Rainfall is expected to be the most immediate and dangerous threat. Forecasters say up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain could fall in the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, while lighter but still dangerous amounts may reach Chiapas, Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco.
These regions have many rivers and mountainous terrain, creating a high risk of mudslides and flash flooding. Emergency services have been placed on high alert, and the government has started deploying thousands of troops to the affected areas.
What is the Mexican government doing to prepare for Erick?
Mexico's national civil defense coordinator, Laura Velázquez, confirmed that emergency preparations are fully underway. In Guerrero state, Governor Evelyn Salgado announced that all schools would remain closed. She also confirmed the closure of Acapulco's port and that 582 emergency shelters have been set up to help families who may need to evacuate.
Fishing and tourism businesses have also been warned. Many have been advised to secure or remove boats from harbors to avoid a repeat of the destruction seen during Hurricane Otis, where multiple boats sank due to late warnings.
What precautions should residents take as Hurricane Erick approaches?
The NHC has issued a hurricane warning from Acapulco to Puerto Ángel, meaning hurricane-force winds and dangerous conditions are expected. Residents in this zone are urged to stay indoors, listen to official warnings, and prepare emergency kits that include food, water, medication, flashlights, and important documents.
President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized during her morning briefing that citizens should trust government alerts and either stay in their homes or move to official shelters.
What are the emergency essentials people should keep ready?
For anyone living near the coast or in high-risk flood zones, it's important to be ready
before the storm hits
. Here's what you need to keep handy:
Clean drinking water
: At least
3 liters per person per day for 3 days
Non-perishable food
: Enough for
each family member
for at least
72 hours
Flashlights and extra batteries
Basic first aid kit
and any essential medications
Important documents
in waterproof bags
Fully charged mobile phones
and power banks
Cash
in case ATMs are down
Face masks and sanitizers
, especially for shared shelter spaces
In Guerrero, officials have already opened 582 shelters, and more are on standby in surrounding states. Vehicles should be fueled and parked on higher ground, and homes should have windows secured with plywood or shutters to avoid breakage from strong winds.
Will Hurricane Eric affect the U.S., especially southern Texas?
While Eric's center will likely make landfall in southern Mexico, its outer bands and moisture could drift into South Texas later this week, according to the NHC. This could bring heavy rain, local flooding, and dangerous rip currents along the Gulf Coast.
Americans living in or traveling to South Texas should:
Keep an eye on local weather alerts
Clear storm drains and gutters in advance
Avoid beach activities during high surf warnings
Have emergency supplies ready in case of flash floods
Even if the core of the storm doesn't hit U.S. soil, its wide reach can still bring strong rainstorms to places hundreds of miles away.
How does Hurricane Erick compare to previous storms like Otis?
The situation with Hurricane Erick is drawing comparisons to Hurricane Otis, which in October 2023 shocked residents with its rapid intensification and deadly aftermath. Otis went from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in under 24 hours and caught many off guard. With Erick showing signs of similar intensification, the government and emergency services are moving swiftly to avoid past mistakes.
Erick may not reach Otis' strength, but its path, speed, and timing are concerning. Heavy rainfall and the storm surge could be life-threatening, especially in low-lying coastal areas and hillside communities.
Hurricane Erick 2025 poses a serious threat to southern Mexico's Pacific coast. With winds strengthening and heavy rain already starting in some areas, residents in affected regions—especially Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Chiapas—must act now. Stay informed, prepare your essentials, and follow official instructions. The time to get ready is not tomorrow, it's now.
Why is Hurricane Eric setting records so early in the season?
Hurricane Eric is now the earliest 'E'-named storm on record in the Eastern Pacific. It's also on track to become the strongest June hurricane to hit Mexico, if it intensifies further before landfall.
The Pacific hurricane season usually runs from May 15 to November 30, but this year is already looking more active than usual. Warmer sea surface temperatures, possibly linked to El Niño weather patterns, are helping storms strengthen more quickly.
According to the Reuters report, Eric could end up being the first major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) of the 2025 Eastern Pacific season, which may signal a tough storm season ahead for the region.
FAQs:
Q1: Where is Hurricane Erick 2025 expected to hit?
Hurricane Erick is heading toward Mexico's Pacific coast, especially near Acapulco.
Q2: How strong will Hurricane Erick become?
It may reach major hurricane status with winds over 111 mph.
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