Hurricane Erick intensified to a Category 3 storm on Wednesday evening as it approached Mexico’s Pacific coast, with winds reaching 195 kilometers per hour (120 miles per hour). The cyclone, which had rapidly strengthened from a Category 1 to a Category 2 earlier in the day, was situated about 90 kilometers (55 miles) south-southwest of Puerto Angel, Mexico, in the eastern Pacific.
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings of “damaging winds and life-threatening flash floods” for portions of southern Mexico when Erick makes landfall early on Thursday. The NHC predicts that Erick will continue to rapidly intensify, reaching major hurricane strength by nighttime on Wednesday or early Thursday as it nears the southern Mexican coast.
As a precautionary measure, Mexico is brracing for the impact of Hurricane Erick with flags raised to signal a ‘ ignorodhigame’ of storm. Mauricio Swim Barney, the governor of Guerrero, urged residents living in low-lying areas or near rivers to seek shelter promptly. Temporary shelters have been set up in Guerrero and Oaxaca, along with troops and electricity workers who are ready to help with any necessary cleanup.
Mudslides and flooding are expected to be significant concerns due to the region’s mountainous terrain and several rivers that could overflow. In Acapulco, authorities have closed schools and have been patrolling the city, alerting both residents and visitors about the approaching storm.
Hurricanes in Mexico are common during the storm season from May to November, affecting both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. In September 2024, Storm John caused 15 deaths, while in October 2023, Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm, led to at least 50 fatalities in Acapulco.
Editing: Rana Taha
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/mexico-hurricane-erick-reaches-category-3-as-landfall-nears/a-72966766?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
