Hurricane Erick has intensified into a Category 3 storm, posing a severe threat to southern Mexico, particularly near the resort city of Acapulco. With maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, the hurricane has rapidly escalated from a Category 1 earlier in the day and is situated about 55 miles south-southwest of Puerto Angel. The U.S. Hurricane Center has warned of destructive winds, heavy rain, and potential mudslides, forecasting rainfall of up to 16 inches across Oaxaca and Guerrero.
The storm’s anticipated trajectory brings it close to Acapulco, which recently suffered the effects of Hurricane Otis—a Category 5 storm that devastated the area in October 2023, resulting in over 50 fatalities and extensive damage to local infrastructure. In response to Erick, security forces and power company crews are actively preparing by clearing drainage systems and monitoring vulnerable areas. While some beaches have closed, tourists engaged in last-minute activities as local residents prepared for potential impact.
Adrián Acevedo, a boat operator whose vessels were damaged in Otis, highlighted a heightened awareness of the storm’s danger, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of hurricanes. He noted the calm weather preceding Otis, which swiftly transitioned into severe conditions, prompting a stricter warning this time against riding out the storm on boats.
Local authorities, including Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado and civil defense officials, have mobilized resources, closing schools and preparing shelters. Encouraging residents to heed warnings, officials reinforced the need for diligence in storm preparedness, as infrastructure remains vulnerable after the previous hurricane. As Erick approaches, communities remain on high alert, bracing for a potentially catastrophic event.
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