Local sources from Mexico: AP News, The New York Times.
UK coverage: BBC.
Hurricane Erick, previously a Category 2 storm, has intensified into a Category 3 cyclone, as reported by Mexico’s civil protection agency and the US National Hurricane Center. The cyclone is expected to hit Mexico’s Pacific coast by Thursday, raising concerns of potentially destructive winds and life-threatening flash floods in southern Mexico. With maximum sustained winds now reaching 200 km/h (125 mph), Erick’s escalation comes as a major concern for the regions in its projected path, including the city of Acapulco, which is still recovering from the devastation brought by Hurricane Otis in October 2023.
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Erick was located 85 kilometers (55 miles) southwest of Puerto Ángel on Wednesday night, moving northwest at 15 km/h (9 mph). The storm’s rapid intensification, doubling in strength in less than a day, is a worrying trend that complicates forecasting efforts. This phenomenon is becoming more common and poses a significant challenge for meteorologists and emergency preparedness authorities.
In response to the approaching storm, Mexican authorities have issued hurricane alerts from Acapulco to Puerto Ángel and have initiated preparations, including setting up shelters and urging residents to stock up on essentials. However, some residents, including surfers at Zicatela Beach, have ignored warnings, underlining the challenges in ensuring public safety during such natural disasters.
The New York Times highlights the trajectory of Hurricane Erick, emphasizing its potential to bring damaging winds and rain if it remains close to the coast. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season, which begins on May 15 and ends on November 30, has seen Erick become the fifth named tropical cyclone for the year 2025. The general westward movement of storms formed in the Atlantic or the Pacific poses a continuous threat, with storms like Erick capable of causing significant damage and flooding, even away from the storm’s center.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has advised residents in the storm’s path to heed official warnings, remain indoors, and avoid going outside. The situation remains critical, and authorities are on high alert as the cyclone approaches landfall. The community is urged to stay informed through reliable sources and adhere to any evacuation orders or safety instructions issued by local authorities. As Erick continues its path, the full extent of its impact remains to be seen.
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