Hurricane Erick made landfall on Mexico’s Pacific coast Thursday morning, June 19, as a powerful Category 3 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC)145. The storm hit the western part of Oaxaca, near Punta Maldonado, with maximum sustained winds of about 125 mph and even higher gusts14. Erick had rapidly intensified overnight, reaching Category 4 status with winds up to 140–145 mph just before landfall, but weakened slightly before coming ashore1368.
Key Impacts
- Life-Threatening Flooding and Mudslides: The NHC and Mexican authorities have warned that Erick’s heavy rains are expected to trigger dangerous flash flooding and mudslides, especially in mountainous areas of Oaxaca and Guerrero1357.
- Storm Surge and Damaging Winds: A hazardous storm surge and destructive winds were reported, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 25 miles from the center and tropical storm-force winds reaching 90 miles out148.
- Evacuations and Shelters: Over 2,000 temporary shelters were set up across Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. Many residents, especially those in low-lying or flood-prone areas, were urged to evacuate or move to shelters7.
- School and Port Closures: Schools were closed and ports, including Acapulco, were shut down as a precaution27.
- Rainfall Totals: Parts of Oaxaca and Guerrero could see up to 16 inches of rain, with other states like Chiapas, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco possibly getting up to 6 inches34.
Current Situation
As of Thursday morning, Erick was moving northwest at about 9 mph and is expected to weaken as it moves inland, but will continue to bring heavy rain and the risk of flooding through Friday45. There have been no immediate reports of deaths or major injuries, but authorities are still assessing the damage, especially in remote coastal villages47.
Areas Under Warning
A hurricane warning remains in effect for the coastal stretch between Acapulco and Puerto Angel345. Residents are strongly advised to stay indoors or in designated shelters and to follow all official instructions27.
AI Disclaimer:
This information is derived from official sources including the National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service, and respected news organizations. Always refer to local authorities and the NHC for the most current updates and emergency instructions.
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-erick-mexico-path-pacific/
- https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/19/americas/hurricane-erick-mexico-strengthens-intl-hnk
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- https://www.foxweather.com/watch/fmc-7gvf5d8dy4t1h9sl
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/2c54f9ff680c534650f5e0a51af66da72b4e6105
- https://abc7.com/post/heres-hurricane-erick-is-quickly-strengthening-dangerous-storm/16772660/