Hurricane Erick Makes Landfall in Southern Mexico as Category 3 Storm

Hurricane Erick made landfall in southern Mexico as a Category 3 storm, bringing maximum sustained winds of 125 mph. The hurricane is expected to weaken rapidly but poses significant risks, including heavy rainfall, storm surges, and flash flooding. Preparations are underway in Acapulco and Puerto Escondido as residents remain cautious following the devastation from Hurricane Otis two years ago.

Hurricane Erick made landfall in southern Mexico’s Oaxaca state early Thursday morning, with reported maximum sustained winds of 125 mph. The storm was originally a Category 4 but was downgraded just before reaching the coast, moving northwest at 9 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Despite the downgrade, it remains a significant threat as a Category 3 storm, capable of producing winds up to 129 mph.

The hurricane is threading the narrow area between the popular resorts of Acapulco and Puerto Escondido, striking a sparsely populated section of coastline near the Oaxaca-Guerrero border. Agricultural fields and small fishing villages characterize this low-lying coastal region. As Erick approaches the coastal mountains, forecasters predict it will lose intensity quickly, likely dissipating by late Thursday or early Friday.

Hurricane Erick is poised to unleash strong winds, torrential rainfall, and a menacing storm surge, particularly near where its eye makes landfall. In Acapulco early Thursday, ominous clouds hung overhead, although the city was spared rain and saw just small waves lapping at the beach. Nonetheless, heavy rain is expected as the storm curves northwest inland along the coast.

Up until Erick’s landfall, Acapulco appeared to have avoided the brunt of the hurricane’s powerful winds, but conditions had shifted. The storm’s projected path veered closer to Puerto Escondido late Wednesday, with Acapulco to the northwest on the coast. This prompted a warning from President Claudia Sheinbaum, who announced that all activities would be suspended and urged vulnerable residents to seek shelter.

Preparations intensified in Puerto Escondido, where rising waves flooded shorelines and wrapped around boats pulled ashore for safety. Local fishermen preemptively moved their boats, while some surfers took to the water against warnings. Nearby Acapulco, residents remembered the calamities of Hurricane Otis from two years ago, which devastated the city.

Governor Evelyn Salgado ordered movement in Acapulco and neighboring beach communities be halted by 8 p.m. Wednesday, and local schools were also closed as a precaution. The memories of devastation from Otis linger prominently, as local business owner Carlos Ozuna Romero recalled losing his restaurant in that 2023 storm. He and his team prepared for Erick’s arrival by storing furniture and safely securing their business.

Anxiety was palpable among residents in Acapulco, as many recalled the trauma from Otis. Some, like Verónica Gómez, were determined to be better prepared this time, stocking up on essentials despite their fears. In a noteworthy display of readiness, emergency services and police were visible throughout the streets, while workers helped clear drainage canals and prepare for the impending storm.

Erick is projected to bring significant rainfall of up to 16 inches in various parts of Oaxaca and Guerrero, while lesser amounts are expected in neighboring states. The threat of flash flooding and mudslides will also be heightened due to steep terrains. Laura Velázquez, Mexico’s national civil defense coordinator, warns of “torrential” rains predicted to impact communities from Guerrero to Chiapas, emphasizing the urgency of preparedness.

The port of Acapulco was already closed as of Tuesday evening. A total of 582 shelters had been equipped and were ready to receive those needing refuge from the storm. Hurricane Erick’s rapid intensification reminds us of the unpredictability of storm systems, particularly as conditions in the Pacific continue to demonstrate an alarming trend for storm development.

Hurricane Erick, despite a slight downgrade to Category 3, poses significant threats to southern Mexico’s coastal areas, particularly around Acapulco and Puerto Escondido. Preparations have been ramped up as memories of Hurricane Otis loom large among residents. With torrential rains, strong winds, and possible flooding and mudslides on the horizon, the urgency for safety and readiness remains critical as the hurricane moves inland.

Original Source: spectrumlocalnews.com