Hurricane Erick Makes Landfall in Southern Mexico as Category 3 Storm

Hurricane Erick hit southern Mexico’s Oaxaca state as a Category 3 storm, bringing maximum sustained winds of 125 mph. The storm, initially a Category 4, is expected to weaken rapidly after landfall but poses risks of heavy rain, destructive winds, and potential mudslides in coastal regions. Preparations are underway in affected areas, particularly given past experiences with Hurricane Otis, which devastated Acapulco two years ago.

Hurricane Erick made landfall in Mexico’s southern Oaxaca state early Thursday morning, as confirmed by the National Hurricane Center in Miami. With its center located about 20 miles east of Punta Maldonado, the hurricane initially showed maximum sustained winds of 125 mph. Though it was downgraded from a Category 4 to a Category 3 before making landfall, it is still considered a major hurricane, capable of producing winds up to 129 mph.

Erick struck a less populated coastal area between Acapulco and Puerto Escondido, mainly impacting agricultural fields scattered among small fishing villages. Given its trajectory, the storm is expected to weaken rapidly as it moves inland and approaches southern Mexico’s coastal mountains, likely dissipating by late Thursday or early Friday.

Forecasters warned that Erick could unleash destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous storm surges in the region. By morning in Acapulco, the city found itself under ominous dark skies, but much to the relief of residents, there were no immediate signs of heavy rain or rough waves.

However, the storm is expected to move rapidly northwest through the coast, bringing significant rainfall to Acapulco and surrounding mountainous areas. While the city appeared to have sidestepped the worst of the storm, the situation remained precarious for those living closer to the coast where Erick was projected to make direct landfall.

Earlier in the week, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced all activities in the impacted regions were suspended and urged residents, especially those in low-lying locations, to stay indoors or head to shelters. By nightfall, the town of Puerto Escondido saw waves crashing aggressively, flooding wooden fishing boats that had been moved onto the beach for safety.

As stores closed, fishermen hurried to secure their boats and some surfers ignored the warnings at Zicatela beach. Memories of Hurricane Otis, which devastated Acapulco two years prior, weighed heavily on residents, making them more cautious this time around. Otis was a Category 5 hurricane that inflicted significant damage to the resort areas, claiming at least 52 lives.

In a familiar refrain, Guerrero State Governor Evelyn Salgado ordered all beach activities suspended at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, while schools were set to remain closed for an additional day. Local business owners, like 51-year-old Carlos Ozuna Romero, have been preparing for Erick while keeping vivid memories of past devastation close at hand.

“I remember what we went through with Otis,” Ozuna Romero said, directing workers to secure his restaurant. Verónica Gómez, a 40-year-old shipping company employee, expressed similar worries as she navigated the streets with a jug of water. “We are all afraid because we worry this could happen again,” she said, clutching a bag of emergency food supplies.

Enhanced security measures were visible in Acapulco, with an increased presence of National Guards and police, along with local utility crews clearing drainage systems. The National Hurricane Center warned that heavy rains of up to 16 inches could fall in Oaxaca and Guerrero with potential for mudslides, as the rainy season intensifies.

As the port of Acapulco closed down in anticipation of the storm, local authorities prepared 582 shelters for evacuated individuals. This year’s hurricane season has seen an increase in rapid intensification, complicating forecasts – such as the pattern witnessed with Erick, which doubled in strength in under 24 hours.

Having navigated through favorable conditions for intensification, Erick leaves residents on high alert as they continue to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.

Hurricane Erick made landfall as a Category 3 storm in Mexico’s Oaxaca state, although slightly downgraded from its prior Category 4 status. The hurricane poses significant threats of destructive winds and torrential rains, particularly in coastal areas. As residents remain on edge, memories of Hurricane Otis loom large, prompting precautionary measures across affected communities. Authorities are preparing shelters and monitoring the situation closely as they brace for the storm’s impact.

Original Source: spectrumlocalnews.com