PUERTO ESCONDIDO, Mexico (AP) — Southern Mexico's Pacific coast prepared for significant impact as Hurricane Erick advanced toward land as a powerful Category 3 hurricane. The storm threatened to bring destructive winds, flash floods, and a dangerous storm surge to the region in the coming hours. By nightfall on Wednesday, Erick had rapidly intensified from a Category 1 hurricane to Category 3, with maximum sustained winds reaching 125 mph (200 kph), approximately 55 miles (85 kilometers) southwest of Puerto Angel, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
Erick was also situated about 125 miles (200 kilometers) southeast of Punta Maldonado, moving northwest at 9 mph (15 kph) and expected to make landfall early Thursday. A hurricane is classified as a major hurricane if it reaches Category 3 status, characterized by wind speeds of at least 111 mph (180 kph). Forecasters warned of potential further strengthening of the storm, leading to devastating damage near the eye of the hurricane as it approached shore.
As the storm's trajectory shifted southward late Wednesday, it positioned itself closer to the popular resort city of Puerto Escondido, affecting a sparsely populated stretch of coastline between Puerto Escondido and Acapulco, located to the northwest. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that all activities in the region would be suspended, urging residents to remain indoors or move to designated shelters if they lived in vulnerable areas.
By nightfall, waves began crashing onto the esplanade in Puerto Escondido, flooding wooden fishing boats that had been pulled ashore for safety. The beach was inundated with water as the tide rose, reaching the interiors of some waterfront establishments. Residents engaged in last-minute preparations as stores closed prematurely, and the streets became notably deserted.
Earlier in the day, fishermen in Puerto Escondido proactively removed their boats from the water. In contrast, some surfers continued to ride the waves at famed Zicatela beach, despite the issuance of red flags warning against entering the water. The storm's shift away from Acapulco provided a measure of relief for residents still recovering from the destruction caused by Hurricane Otis a few years prior.
Acapulco, a city of nearly 1 million people, suffered immense damage from Hurricane Otis, which struck in October 2023 as a Category 5 hurricane, resulting in at least 52 fatalities and severe devastation to nearly all of the resort's hotels. Consequently, residents approached Erick's impending arrival with heightened anxiety and preparation, recalling the traumatic impacts of Otis. Guerrero state Governor Evelyn Salgado confirmed that all movement in Acapulco and nearby beach areas would cease at 8 p.m., and schools would be closed for an additional day.
Carlos Ozuna Romero, who lost his restaurant during the Otis hurricane, directed workers to secure tables and chairs ahead of Erick's approach. He expressed the collective fear instilled by officials’ warnings, emphasizing the lasting impression of prior devastation. Workers in Acapulco reinforced storefronts with plywood and positioned sandbags at doorways, while residents rushed to fill their vehicles with fuel and complete last-minute shopping.
As heavy rainfall appeared imminent, forecasters predicted that Erick would bring severe weather to Mexico’s Pacific coast, with up to 16 inches (40 centimeters) of rain expected in Oaxaca and Guerrero, raising concerns of flooding and mudslides, particularly in hilly regions. A hurricane warning was in effect from Acapulco to Puerto Ángel, indicating that hurricane conditions were imminent and urgent preparations were necessary.
Moreover, Laura Velázquez, Mexico’s national civil defense coordinator, highlighted the possibility of “torrential” rains impacting Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. Due to the mountainous geography, numerous rivers were at risk of flooding and heightened mudslide activity was anticipated. Governor Salgado stated that all schools would be closed; shelters had been established to accommodate those needing evacuation.
Erick had rapidly intensified, doubling in strength within a day as it traversed favorable conditions for quick strengthening. Notably, there were historical precedents for rapid intensification, which complicates forecasting protocols, as evidenced in previous years.
