Hurricane Erick has escalated to a dangerous Category 4 storm, bringing maximum sustained winds of 145 mph as it nears Mexico's Pacific coast, raising alert levels and mobilizing emergency services.
Hurricane Erick Intensifies as It Approaches Mexico's Coastline
Hurricane Erick Intensifies as It Approaches Mexico's Coastline
Category 4 storm expected to bring devastating wind damage and life-threatening conditions.
Officials have signaled a state of emergency as Hurricane Erick approaches the Pacific shore of Mexico, upgrading the storm's threat to an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 status. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported peak winds reaching 230 km/h (145 mph) late Wednesday, with a possibility of further intensification.
Forecasts indicate landfall is likely to occur later today, particularly affecting the coastal states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, where the potential for "devastating wind damage" looms. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged residents in the storm's expected path to remain alert and indoors, advising against unnecessary travel.
A hurricane warning spans a 500 km (300 miles) stretch of the Pacific coast, from the popular resort of Acapulco to Puerto Ángel, with authorities warning residents of possible life-threatening floods and ocean swells. "If you live in low-lying regions, near rivers or waterways, it's wiser to relocate to designated shelters," Sheinbaum advised, as preparations ramp up.
The government has initiated the establishment of around 2,000 shelters across Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca, supplementing the mobilization of over 18,000 first responders to aid in evacuation and emergency preparedness.
This season marks the first hurricane to make landfall in Mexico, with the hurricane season running from June to November. Just last October, Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm, wreaked havoc on Acapulco, claiming at least 50 lives, a stark reminder of the potential severity of tropical storms in the region.
Authorities remain vigilant as the situation develops, urging those in affected areas to stay connected with official updates and to prioritize their safety.
Forecasts indicate landfall is likely to occur later today, particularly affecting the coastal states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, where the potential for "devastating wind damage" looms. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged residents in the storm's expected path to remain alert and indoors, advising against unnecessary travel.
A hurricane warning spans a 500 km (300 miles) stretch of the Pacific coast, from the popular resort of Acapulco to Puerto Ángel, with authorities warning residents of possible life-threatening floods and ocean swells. "If you live in low-lying regions, near rivers or waterways, it's wiser to relocate to designated shelters," Sheinbaum advised, as preparations ramp up.
The government has initiated the establishment of around 2,000 shelters across Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca, supplementing the mobilization of over 18,000 first responders to aid in evacuation and emergency preparedness.
This season marks the first hurricane to make landfall in Mexico, with the hurricane season running from June to November. Just last October, Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm, wreaked havoc on Acapulco, claiming at least 50 lives, a stark reminder of the potential severity of tropical storms in the region.
Authorities remain vigilant as the situation develops, urging those in affected areas to stay connected with official updates and to prioritize their safety.
