Erick turned into a strong Class 3 hurricane on Wednesday night, threatening devastating winds, torrential rains and a high risk of flooding the southern coast, the National Hurricane Center, which is based in.
Erick showed rapid reinforcement within a few hours, with the maximum winds reaching 195 km/h (120 mph), as it moves at 15 km/h (9 mph) northwest, about 90 km southwest of Puerto Angel and 260 km south -east.
Meteorologists warn that Erick could severely hit areas such as Acapulco, which suffered huge catastrophes in October 2023 by Hurricane Otis, Class 5, which cost the lives of at least 52 people, while 32 remain missing.
has been upgraded to a 105 kt (120 mph) Category 3 hurricane — it’s set to execute one of the easternmost major hurricane landfalls in EPAC history.
— Michael Ferragamo (@FerragamoWx)
Erick becomes the first major hurricane in the northern hemisphere this year, at 105kt/120mph winds and a central pressure of ~953mb. The system is also undergoing a rather quick eyewall replacement, with double wind maximas evident on recently received hurricane hunter data.
– WXATOM (@Wxatom)
Preparations under the fear of repeating Otis
In Acapulco, there is strong mobility by National Guard forces and technical workshops, while the federal electricity organization has developed vehicles for cleaning and flooding.
Many beaches have already been closed, though some tourists remain. Fishermen rush to remove their boats from the water with the help of machinery, while red flags wave on the coast for warning. Despite the warnings, some surfers continued to bite the waves.
They remember Otis with horror
52 -year -old Adrian Asevedo, a guide with boats in the area, remembers Otis in terms of destroying the fleet: “Then we did not expect such tension. Now with climate change, the seas are warmer and hurricanes stronger, “he said. “With Otis, he had sun and calm all day, and within two hours the everything was lost.”
Jose Carubio, 46, did his last shopping – eggs, rice, beans – saying that he is now taking Erick more seriously, after his home was flooded and left without electricity in the previous hurricane.
Intense weather events – risk of flooding and landslides
Erick is expected to hit the states of Oaxaca, Gerrero and Tsiapas, with rain that may reach 40 cm, causing landslides and floods, especially in mountainous areas and areas with rivers.
Mexico’s national civil protection has announced school closure and has mobilized 582 shelters for potential displaced. The port of Akapulko was closed since Tuesday night.
President Claudia Seinbaum called on the citizens to follow the instructions of the authorities and remain in safe places, either in their homes or in shelters.
