Hurricane Erick Rapidly Strengthens Off Mexico’s Coast
Hurricane Erick has surged into a powerful Category 3 storm, gaining speed and strength as it moves dangerously close to southern Mexico’s Pacific coastline. Packing maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 kph), the storm is now classified as a major hurricane—posing serious risks of destructive winds, flash floods, and a life-threatening storm surge.
By Wednesday evening, Erick was located just 55 miles (90 kilometers) south-southwest of Puerto Angel, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Moving northwest at 9 mph (15 kph), the storm is expected to make landfall Thursday morning, with even stronger gusts and heavy rainfall projected over the coming hours.
Acapulco Remembers Otis, Prepares for Erick
The shadow of Hurricane Otis still lingers in Acapulco. That storm, a Category 5 hurricane in October 2023, killed at least 52 people and left 32 missing. Today, with Hurricane Erick approaching, Acapulco is bracing again—only this time, locals and officials are taking no chances.
National Guard units, local police, and utility crews filled the streets on Wednesday. Workers cleared brush and drainage canals. Power company trucks dominated the scene, ready for impact. Despite some beaches being closed, a few tourists remained under the sun—hours before the storm’s arrival.
“We Didn’t Expect Otis… Now We’re Ready for Erick”
Adrian Acevedo Durantes, who operates boats for tourists, vividly recalls the devastation Otis left behind. “Two of my boats sank. One was badly damaged,” he said. “This time, we’re not waiting it out. We’re hauling everything to safety.”
Port authorities have ordered all boats out of the harbor. In past storms, many fishermen took shelter on their vessels. But with Otis proving how unpredictable and brutal these hurricanes can be, that mindset has changed. “It’s calm now—sunny and peaceful—but Otis taught us that can change overnight,” Durantes added.
Last-Minute Rush to Prepare
Across the region, residents rushed to stock up on essentials. Francisco Casarubio, a choreographer, grabbed eggs, rice, beans, and canned food just hours before Erick’s expected landfall. “Otis left us without power and flooded our home. I’m not taking that risk again,” he said.
The National Hurricane Center warned of rainfall up to 16 inches (40 cm) in states like Oaxaca and Guerrero, with flooding and mudslides especially likely in mountainous areas. States such as Chiapas, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco may also see significant rain.
Hurricane Warnings Issued, Shelters Ready
A hurricane warning is now in effect from Puerto Angel to Acapulco. Authorities emphasized that preparations should be completed immediately. Schools across Guerrero were closed Wednesday, and the state readied 582 shelters for possible evacuations.
Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado confirmed that local tourism and fishing sectors were alerted days ago. Acapulco’s port was shut Tuesday evening. Down the coast in Puerto Escondido, fishermen worked quickly to remove boats under light rain.
Surfers Brave Waves Despite Red Flags
In Puerto Escondido’s Zicatela Beach, red warning flags were already up by Wednesday afternoon. Still, a few surfers defied the warnings, carving through waves before the winds picked up. Officials urged everyone to avoid water activities as conditions are expected to worsen drastically.
Laura Velázquez, Mexico’s national civil defense chief, confirmed that “torrential rain” was likely across the southern coast. With rivers in the area already full, there’s an added risk of overflowing banks and mudslides in elevated regions.
President Urges Caution as Erick Accelerates
President Claudia Sheinbaum used her morning briefing to urge caution. She advised people in Erick’s path to stay indoors or seek shelter in designated government facilities. “Follow official instructions and avoid unnecessary risks,” she said.
Erick’s rapid intensification has caught attention globally. Within 24 hours, the storm doubled in strength—a troubling pattern that experts link to warmer ocean temperatures caused by climate change. In 2023, 34 storms rapidly intensified—twice the average. These sudden jumps often outpace forecasts and leave little time for preparation.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for real-time updates as Hurricane Erick moves closer to Mexico’s coast.
