Hurricane Erick Makes Landfall in Southern Mexico as Category 3 Storm
Hurricane Erick made landfall in Oaxaca, Mexico, as a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 125 mph. Although downgraded, it still poses significant threats of flooding and storm surges, primarily impacting Acapulco and Puerto Escondido. In response, local officials and the president urged residents to take precautions, prepare shelters, and stay indoors as the storm approaches.
Hurricane Erick made a powerful landfall in the southern state of Oaxaca, Mexico, early on Thursday, bringing sustained winds of 125 mph. As reported by the National Hurricane Center in Miami, the eye of the storm was situated approximately 20 miles east of Punta Maldonado. Though it was downgraded to a Category 3 storm from a previous Category 4, its intensity still categorizes it as a major hurricane, capable of causing significant damage.
The hurricane’s path narrowly avoided popular tourist destinations Acapulco and Puerto Escondido, instead striking a less populated coastline between the two resorts. The area is predominantly agricultural, with farmland interspersed between several small fishing villages. However, forecasters expect the storm to weaken rapidly upon hitting the coastal mountains of southern Mexico. It should dissipate by late Thursday or early Friday.
Residents faced potentially devastating impacts with destructive winds, flash floods, and storm surges looming. Despite the dark clouds over Acapulco, which woke up to a relatively calm morning with no rain, the storm’s northwestern trajectory brings the threat of heavy rainfall.
As of late Wednesday, Erick’s projected course had shifted further south, now placing the resort of Puerto Escondido in its path. In preparation, President Claudia Sheinbaum suspended all activities in the region and encouraged residents, particularly those in low-lying areas, to seek shelter.
At sunset on Wednesday, the surf was battering Puerto Escondido, swamping fishing boats brought ashore for safety. Local fishermen had begun pulling their vessels from the water earlier that day, while some surfers disregarded warnings and continued to ride the waves. Acapulco residents, still reeling from the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Otis last October, prepared for what they feared could be a repeat of that disaster.
Governor Evelyn Salgado of Guerrero announced that all movement in Acapulco and nearby coastal areas would cease at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Additionally, schools across the state closed for a second consecutive day on Thursday, illustrating widespread concern from community leaders and citizens alike. One restaurant owner shared his fears as he prepped his establishment, saying, “Authorities’ warnings fill us with fear and obviously make us remember everything we’ve already been through.”
The streets of Acapulco showcased a frantic energy as locals stocked up on supplies. With vehicles waiting for fuel and many people reminiscing about their past experiences with storms, including memories of Hurricane Otis, anxiety ran high. One Acapulco resident spoke of her fear, holding a large water jug, “We’re all afraid because we think the same thing could happen.”
Emergency response teams were deployed throughout the city, where National Guard and police worked alongside utility crews to clear drainages. Meanwhile, forecasters warned of heavy rainfall and the possibility of flooding, with estimates of precipitation ranging up to 16 inches in Oaxaca and Guerrero. The national civil defense coordinator highlighted the increased risk of mudslides in mountainous areas prone to flooding.
As concerns mounted, the port of Acapulco closed on Tuesday, and emergency shelters were prepared to receive evacuees across Guerrero. With Erick’s rapid intensification—the storm doubled in strength within a short timeframe—the need for timely and accurate forecasts remains critical, especially as climate patterns contribute to increasing storm unpredictability.
Hurricane Erick made a formidable landfall in Oaxaca, Mexico, as a Category 3 storm, prompting extensive preparations among residents and officials throughout the region. Despite its downgrade from Category 4, the hurricane remains a serious threat as it approaches populous areas with potential for severe flooding and mudslides. Acapulco residents are particularly on edge, recalling previous devastation from Hurricane Otis. State authorities have mobilized emergency response teams and shelters in anticipation of the storm’s impacts, emphasizing the community’s need for vigilance in the face of extreme weather events.
Original Source: spectrumlocalnews.com
