Hurricane Erick is poised to land in Mexico’s southern regions, with authorities on high alert as flash floods and evacuations take place in Oaxaca and Guerrero. The storm's intensity raises concerns over severe weather impacts as residents brace for the worst.
Hurricane Erick Bears Down on Southern Mexico, Promising Severe Weather Impact
Hurricane Erick Bears Down on Southern Mexico, Promising Severe Weather Impact
As Hurricane Erick approaches Mexico, it intensifies into a Category 4 storm, prompting flash floods and urgent evacuation efforts in Oaxaca and Guerrero.
With expectations of landfall early Thursday, Hurricane Erick has already caused considerable disruption across southern Mexico. Flash floods were reported in Oaxaca and Guerrero, prompting school closures and evacuation orders for vulnerable communities. The storm is anticipated to make landfall near Puerto Escondido, putting residents on high alert for dangerous wind gusts and heavy rainfall, which also raises fears of storm surges.
As late Wednesday approached, Mexican Civil Protection officials declared a red alert in these regions to signify the highest risk of adverse weather conditions. The National Hurricane Center of the United States issued a hurricane warning along a substantial section of coastline spanning about 300 miles, including popular resort areas like Acapulco.
In a proactive response, over 2,000 temporary shelters have been established across Oaxaca, Guerrero, and the neighboring state of Chiapas, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urging residents to take refuge and avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding. Reports indicated that evacuations were already underway, particularly in Lagunas de Chacahua, where more than 100 residents sought shelter.
The storm's approach has resulted in severe consequences already, as streets in Salina Cruz, a significant seaport in Oaxaca, were left flooded, stranding vehicles in the deluge. Local police were mobilized to assist motorists and clear roads blocked by debris.
Preparedness measures included boarding up businesses in Puerto Escondido and closing schools for a second consecutive day in parts of Oaxaca. Meteorologists warned that Erick's strengthening winds could cause significant damage, including uprooting trees and damaging infrastructure.
Erick marks the fifth named storm of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, which runs until the end of November. Following the devastation of Hurricane Otis in 2023, communities remain wary as they navigate this latest threat to their safety and resilience.
As late Wednesday approached, Mexican Civil Protection officials declared a red alert in these regions to signify the highest risk of adverse weather conditions. The National Hurricane Center of the United States issued a hurricane warning along a substantial section of coastline spanning about 300 miles, including popular resort areas like Acapulco.
In a proactive response, over 2,000 temporary shelters have been established across Oaxaca, Guerrero, and the neighboring state of Chiapas, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urging residents to take refuge and avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding. Reports indicated that evacuations were already underway, particularly in Lagunas de Chacahua, where more than 100 residents sought shelter.
The storm's approach has resulted in severe consequences already, as streets in Salina Cruz, a significant seaport in Oaxaca, were left flooded, stranding vehicles in the deluge. Local police were mobilized to assist motorists and clear roads blocked by debris.
Preparedness measures included boarding up businesses in Puerto Escondido and closing schools for a second consecutive day in parts of Oaxaca. Meteorologists warned that Erick's strengthening winds could cause significant damage, including uprooting trees and damaging infrastructure.
Erick marks the fifth named storm of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, which runs until the end of November. Following the devastation of Hurricane Otis in 2023, communities remain wary as they navigate this latest threat to their safety and resilience.
