In brief
With maximum winds reaching 230 km/h, Hurricane Erick poses a significant threat to Mexico's Pacific coast, prompting emergency protocols and evacuations.
As Hurricane Erick approaches Mexico's Pacific coast, it has escalated to an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 storm, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). Maximum sustained winds have increased to 230 km/h (145 mph) as of late Wednesday, with heightened risks of further intensification. The storm is anticipated to make landfall on Thursday, predominantly threatening the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, where "devastating wind damage" could occur.Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has advised residents within the storm's trajectory to stay updated through official channels, remain indoors, and avoid unnecessary travel. A hurricane warning is currently active along a 500 km stretch (300 miles) of the coastline, extending from the popular tourist destination of Acapulco to Puerto Ángel. Local authorities are particularly concerned about life-threatening floods and elevation-related hazards.Residents in low-lying areas, those near rivers, or waterways, have been urged to evacuate to designated shelters that are already in place. Additionally, warnings have been issued for mountainous regions due to potential mudslides. In preparation for the impending storm, approximately 2,000 shelters have been established across the affected states of Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca, while over 18,000 emergency personnel have been mobilized.Erick is projected to be the first hurricane to strike Mexico this season, which spans from June to November. This follows October 2023 when Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm, caused widespread devastation and resulted in at least 50 fatalities in Acapulco. Authorities are advising those in affected areas to make preparations and head to safety if needed, emphasizing the importance of staying alert amid the impending weather crisis.
