Hurricane Erick makes landfall in Mexico as Category 3 storm with destructive winds, flooding rain
Extremely dangerous Hurricane Erick made landfall along Mexico's southwestern coast as a Category 3 storm on Thursday morning, unleashing destructive winds and torrential rain, leading to life-threatening flooding, a potentially deadly storm surge, mudslides and landslides.
Hurricane Erick underwent rapid intensification on Wednesday, which occurs when a tropical cyclone's maximum sustained winds increase by at least 35 mph over a 24-hour period.
As of Thursday morning, Hurricane Erick had maximum sustained winds of 125 mph and was moving off to the northwest at about 9 mph.
The Mexican government issued Hurricane Warnings from Acapulco to Puerto Angel, with various tropical alerts also in effect to the north and south of those Hurricane Warnings.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that Hurricane Erick is expected to make landfall in the western portions of the Mexican state of Oaxaca, or the eastern portion of the Mexican state of Guerrero on Thursday morning.
4 As of Thursday morning, Hurricane Erick had maximum sustained winds of 125 mph.
FOX Weather
The storm is then expected to continue to move inland across Mexico's mountainous terrain.
Residents across the region were urged to prepare for the life-threatening impacts from Hurricane Erick, with Mexican Pres. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announcing that all activities have been suspended in the region.
She also told residents to stay home for safety or to move into shelters if living in low-lying areas.
4 The storm is expected to continue to move inland across Mexico's mountainous terrain.
REUTERS
In addition, Guerrero state Gov. Evelyn Salgado Pineda warned residents and visitors to be on alert as the storm is expected to cause significant damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure, as well as producing torrential rain leading to life-threatening flooding and landslides.
The mountainous terrain between Mexico City and the coast is expected to quickly unravel the hurricane, but not before mudslides and flooding impact communities across the region.
The NHC said Erick is expected to produce rainfall totals of 8-12 inches, with locally higher totals of up to 16 inches in the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guerrero.
4 The mountainous terrain between Mexico City and the coast is expected to quickly unravel the hurricane.
DAVID GUZMAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Conditions are also expected to be dangerous along the coast, with a life-threatening storm surge that will lead to coastal flooding near and to the east of where the center crosses the coast, in areas of onshore winds.
The storm surge will also be accompanied by large, destructive waves. Those waves will also lead to life-threatening rip currents at beaches, and people are being warned to stay out of the water.
Hurricane Erick revives horrific memories of Hurricane Otis in Acapulco
4 Conditions are expected to be dangerous along the coast, with a life-threatening storm surge that will lead to coastal flooding.
REUTERS
Being a major hurricane, Erick will set the record for being the strongest June cyclone to make landfall along Mexico's Pacific coast, triggering some memories of Hurricane Otis in 2023.
Otis was the strongest hurricane to ever impact Acapulco, with sustained winds of 165 mph, but due to the cyclone's unpredictable nature, many were caught off guard by its fury.
Mexican authorities reported more than 50 deaths and damage estimates that eclipsed $10 billion from the late-season disaster.
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Major Hurricane Erick hits Mexico's Pacific coast, life-threatening floods expected
By Aida Pelaez-Fernandez MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Hurricane Erick made landfall on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, on Thursday morning, authorities said, potentially bringing intense rains and life-threatening floods and mudslides. The storm made landfall around 5:30 am local time in the town of Santiago Pinotepa Nacional, in the state of Oaxaca, as a category 3 major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 205 km/h and gusts of 250 km/h, Mexico's national water commission, Conagua, said. Scientists have warned that Erick, the first hurricane to make landfall in Mexico this hurricane season, could become the most intense hurricane along Mexico's Pacific coast this early in the season, which runs from May to November. Forecasters predict an above-average active season, with between eight and 11 hurricanes, and four to six of those reaching major hurricane status. The storm center is expected to move inland over southern Mexico throughout the day with winds that could be especially destructive near its core, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said in a report. Up to 16 inches (about 41 cm) of rain is expected to hit the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, according to NHC. Moving forward, "Erick is expected to rapidly weaken over the mountains of Mexico, and the system is likely to dissipate tonight or early Friday," the center added. THREATS TO RESIDENTS "Heavy rainfall will lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain," NHC warned, as local authorities asked residents to remain vigilant. Mexico's Ministry of Environment and Conagua gave a similar warning, adding that waves in coastal areas were reaching up to 10 meters (33 ft) high. Local media and videos shared on social networks showed flooded streets in some of the main tourist destinations along Mexico's Pacific coast, such as Huatulco. Oaxaca Governor Salomon Jara, in a post on X, urged residents to follow authorities' recommendations and said shelters were available for those in areas at risk. Mexican authorities have also been coordinating evacuation efforts for tourists in beach destinations, including Acapulco.
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Hurricane Erick makes landfall in Mexico as Category 3 storm with 125-mph winds
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"The dust set to arrive in Florida in around 10 days could be comparable to the dust that went through Florida recently, however since it is still 10 days away and still over Africa, the dust concentration is still subject to change as it moves across the Atlantic." "Strong wind shear and an abundance of Saharan dust is helping to protect Florida," DaSilva said. There are "no concerns in the Atlantic for at least the next seven days. There is too much dry air and the wind shear is too high," DaSilva said. "If anything develops in June it would likely be in the Bay of Campeche or far western Caribbean, where the shear is a little lower." "The average first named storm in the Atlantic is June 20 and the average first hurricane is Aug. 11. It is not really that unusual for the start of the season to be quiet. Water temperatures and ocean heat content remain very high in the Gulf. "I think once we get more into the heart of the season, things could get very active. Expect a second-half loaded season. Dry air, including associated Saharan dust, along with wind shear, both prevent tropical systems from developing or strengthening, essentially cutting off the fuel storms need. Pensacola, western Panhandle: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 7 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Tallahassee, central Panhandle:A few showers are ongoing this morning with more expected to develop this afternoon. Expect a line of storms to move in from the north later this afternoon/evening. High near 93. Heat index values as high as 101. Jacksonville, North/Northeast Florida: Thunderstorms will develop this afternoon as the sea breezes move inland. Isolated strong thunderstorm risk focuses between Highway 301 and I-95 from 4-9 p.m. Stronger storms will produce frequent lightning, torrential downpours, and wind gusts up to 45-55 mph. High near 93. Heat index values as high as 103. 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The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories. The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center. Hurricane season starts June 1 in the Atlantic basin. Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include: Tropical cyclone is the generic term used by the National Weather Service, NOAA and the National Hurricane Center for any tropical system, even if it's in the tropical Atlantic basin. To be more precise, a tropical cyclone is a "rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has closed, low-level circulation," NOAA sadi. Once maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, what it is called is determined by where it originated: : for storms in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific. : for storms in the Northwest Pacific. : for storms in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Hurricane Erick hits Mexico as Category 3 storm. Atlantic quiet
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See the latest story on Hurricane Erick making landfall in Mexico June 19. Hurricane Erick is rapidly intensifyying and could become a Category 3 storm before reaching the coast of southern Mexico, bringing hurricane conditions and life-threatening flash floods, according to the National Hurricane Center. Popular tourist destination Acapulco is within the hurricane warning area. In the Atlantic basin, conditions remain quiet. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three tropical waves. The first named storm in the Atlantic basin will be Andrea. ➤ Track all active storms ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Scattered showers, with the potential for a few strong isolated thunderstorms, are possible across Florida Wednesday, June 18. Temperatures are expected to remain hot, with the heat index reaching as high as 103 in some locations. Here's the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center as of 8 a.m. June 18. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three tropical waves in the Atlantic basin. Tropical wave 1: An eastern Atlantic tropical wave is along 23W, south of 14N, moving westward at 6 to 11 mph. Tropical wave 2: A central Atlantic tropical wave is along 43W, south of 13N, moving westward at 6 to 11 mph. Tropical wave 3: Another central Atlantic tropical wave is along 58W, south of 15N, moving westward at 11 mph. "The average first named storm in the Atlantic is June 20, but development over the central and eastern basin looks unfavorable through June at this time," said Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather lead hurricane expert. Hurricane Erick in the eastern Pacific is expected to bring hurricane conditions and life-threatening flash floods to portions of southern Mexico later tonight and Thursday, June 19. The storm is forecast to rapidly intensify and become a Category 3 hurricane with 115-mph winds before making landfall along the coast of western Oaxaca or eastern Guerrero June 19. Hurricane watches and warnings, along with a tropical storm warning, have been issued. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 100 mph, with higher gusts, making Erick a Category 2 hurricane. Rapid strengthening is expected to continue today, and Erick is forecast to reach major hurricane strength tonight or early Thursday as it approaches the coast of southern Mexico. A major hurricane is a Category 3 or higher storm, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph. Erick will bring rainfall totals of 8 to 16 inches, with maximum totals of 20 inches, across the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, the Hurricane Center said. This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time. Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest-performing models to help make its forecasts. "There is some dust moving through the Caribbean right now but most of it will stay south and west of Florida. Some will move into Texas and Louisiana late this week," DaSilva said. The next plume of dust that could impact South Florida may arrive around June 27 and could last a few days, DaSilva said via email. "The dust set to arrive in Florida in around 10 days could be comparable to the dust that went through Florida recently, however since it is still 10 days away and still over Africa, the dust concentration is still subject to change as it moves across the Atlantic." "Strong wind shear and an abundance of Saharan dust is helping to protect Florida," DaSilva said. There are "no concerns in the Atlantic for at least the next seven days. There is too much dry air and the wind shear is too high," DaSilva said. "If anything develops in June it would likely be in the Bay of Campeche or far western Caribbean, where the shear is a little lower." "The average first named storm in the Atlantic is June 20 and the average first hurricane is Aug. 11. It is not really that unusual for the start of the season to be quiet. Water temperatures and ocean heat content remain very high in the Gulf. "I think once we get more into the heart of the season, things could get very active. Expect a second-half loaded season. Dry air, including associated Saharan dust, along with wind shear, both prevent tropical systems from developing or strengthening, essentially cutting off the fuel storms need. Pensacola, western Panhandle: Showers and storms are likely today. Highs will be mostly around 90. Tallahassee, central Panhandle:Another round of afternoon showers and thunderstorms is expected again this afternoon. Temperatures are forecast to climb into the low-mid 90s. Jacksonville, North/Northeast Florida: Scattered thunderstorms will develop today as the Gulf and Atlantic seabreezes move inland. Isolated strong thunderstorms will focus between Highway 301 and US 17 this afternoon into early evening. Impacts include wind gusts of 40-50 mph, frequent lightning and heavy downpours. High near 93. Heat index values as high as 103. Daytona Beach to Stuart, East/Central Florida: Another hot day is in store with temperatures reaching the upper 80s to mid 90s. Isolated rain and storm chances (30%) are highest near and west of Greater Orlando this afternoon/evening. High of 89 in Daytona Beach, near 87 in Stuart and 95 in Orlando. West Palm Beach to Naples, South/Southwest Florida: A few isolated to scattered showers today, mostly focusing towards the Gulf coast areas by the afternoon. An isolated storm or two cannot be ruled out, but chances are lower for storms. Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s across South Florida. High near 85 in West Palm Beach and high near 91 Naples, with heat index values as high as 103. Fort Myers to Sarasota, West/Southwest Florida: Isolated to scattered storms expected mainly in the evening and early overnight hours today with highs in the low to mid 90s. High near 91, with heat index values as high as 103 in Sarasota. High near 93, with heat index values as high as 102 in Fort Myers. Among the changes the National Hurricane Center announced for the 2025 hurricane season was the addition of a rip current risk map. ➤ National Hurricane Center lays out changes coming for 2025 season. See what to expect This new addition provided by the Hurricane Center will be provided for the current day, the next day, and as a composite showing the highest risk over both days for areas along the East and Gulf coasts of the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the coast of southern California. The map for June 18, shows high risks for rip currents along a portion of Florida's Panhandle, as well as along the Atlantic coast in Southeast Florida. ➤ Florida ranks in top 5 states where swimming is most dangerous. How to avoid summer tragedy The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said. The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories. The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center. Hurricane season starts June 1 in the Atlantic basin. Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include: Tropical cyclone is the generic term used by the National Weather Service, NOAA and the National Hurricane Center for any tropical system, even if it's in the tropical Atlantic basin. To be more precise, a tropical cyclone is a "rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has closed, low-level circulation," NOAA sadi. Once maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, what it is called is determined by where it originated: : for storms in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific. : for storms in the Northwest Pacific. : for storms in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This story was updated to add new information. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: NOAA tracking 3 tropical waves. Hurricane Erick rapidly intensifying
