Authorities warn residents in low-lying areas to seek shelter and prepare for significant rainfall and powerful winds as Hurricane Erick nears the southern coast of Mexico.
Hurricane Erick Approaches Mexico: States on Alert for Severe Weather
Hurricane Erick Approaches Mexico: States on Alert for Severe Weather
Hurricane Erick approaches Mexico's southern coast, raising alarms as it is expected to strengthen before making landfall.
Three states on Mexico’s southern coast are bracing for Hurricane Erick, which is likely to make landfall as a Category 3 storm by early Thursday morning. In a news conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum urged the population to remain informed through official channels and to stay indoors. She particularly emphasized the need for residents in vulnerable locations—like low-lying areas and those near rivers or other bodies of water—to evacuate to temporary shelters set up across Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca.
Sheinbaum also cautioned that individuals who own boats should refrain from venturing out to sea. This precaution comes as the storm, initially classified as a Category 2, has already demonstrated its capacity for damage, with high winds capable of uprooting trees, damaging property, and causing flash flooding.
As preparations are underway, the Mexican government has issued warnings that the storm could further intensify before making landfall. More than 2,000 shelters have been established in the affected states, with the government advising citizens to heed evacuation orders and remain vigilant in the face of potential flooding.
The storm is projected to make landfall on the borders of Oaxaca and Guerrero, with predictions that severe weather conditions could impact a broader region, affecting prominent areas such as the coastal resort town of Bahías de Huatulco and the tourist destination of Acapulco. In 2023, these regions were heavily impacted by Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm that resulted in over 50 fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure.
Erick marks the fifth named storm to form in the Eastern Pacific this season, with the official Pacific hurricane season running through November 30. Residents are urged to prioritize their safety and closely follow the instructions from local authorities as the storm approaches.
Sheinbaum also cautioned that individuals who own boats should refrain from venturing out to sea. This precaution comes as the storm, initially classified as a Category 2, has already demonstrated its capacity for damage, with high winds capable of uprooting trees, damaging property, and causing flash flooding.
As preparations are underway, the Mexican government has issued warnings that the storm could further intensify before making landfall. More than 2,000 shelters have been established in the affected states, with the government advising citizens to heed evacuation orders and remain vigilant in the face of potential flooding.
The storm is projected to make landfall on the borders of Oaxaca and Guerrero, with predictions that severe weather conditions could impact a broader region, affecting prominent areas such as the coastal resort town of Bahías de Huatulco and the tourist destination of Acapulco. In 2023, these regions were heavily impacted by Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm that resulted in over 50 fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure.
Erick marks the fifth named storm to form in the Eastern Pacific this season, with the official Pacific hurricane season running through November 30. Residents are urged to prioritize their safety and closely follow the instructions from local authorities as the storm approaches.
