a day ago
- Climate
- Irish Daily Mirror
Hurricane Erick threatens holiday hotspot as urgent warning issued to Irish
Irish travellers planning holidays to Mexico are being urged to exercise caution as Hurricane Erick intensifies off the country's Pacific Coast.
Weather warnings are now in effect for some of the country's most popular tourist hotspots. The US National Hurricane Center has confirmed that Tropical Storm Erick has now strengthened into a hurricane, with "life-threatening conditions" expected to hit parts of southern Mexico from late Wednesday into Thursday.
The storm is forecast to bring damaging winds, dangerous storm surges and flash flooding, particularly across the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca, both of which are home to well-known beach destinations.
A Hurricane Warning is in place from Acapulco to Puerto Angel, while Hurricane Watches and Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for surrounding areas including Bahias de Huatulco and Salina Cruz. Winds of up to 120 km/h are already being recorded, with forecasters warning that the system may strengthen further into a major Category 3 hurricane as it nears landfall.
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has echoed US warnings, advising citizens to closely monitor local and international weather updates and to follow all official guidance.
Travel advice posted on its website reads: "The hurricane season in Mexico extends from June to the end of November and can severely disrupt transportation and utilities. Landslides, mudslides and flooding may occur. In the case of a hurricane, monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local emergency officials. Visitors should also monitor local and international weather updates for the region and check the Weather Channel or the National Hurricane Centre in Miami."
The DFA advises Irish citizens in Mexico during the hurricane season to:
Familiarise yourself with your hotel or cruise ship evacuation procedures
Contact family and friends in Ireland with updates on your location and welfare.
Erick is expected to dump between 8 to 16 inches of rain across Guerrero and Oaxaca, with isolated areas potentially getting 20 inches, raising the risk of severe flooding and mudslides, especially in mountainous regions. Coastal flooding is also likely due to storm surge and destructive waves.
The DFA has also reminded Irish travellers that "in some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay" and that delays to air and sea travel are likely.
For real-time updates, the DFA recommends following the US National Hurricane Center and staying informed via local media.
