Hurricane Erick made landfall in Mexico’s southern state of Oaxaca early Thursday, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. The National Hurricane Center reported that the storm’s center was about 20 miles east of Punta Maldonado, with maximum sustained winds reaching 125 mph. Although it was downgraded from a Category 4 to a Category 3 hurricane just before landfall, it still poses a significant threat.
Erick’s path took it between the popular resorts of Acapulco and Puerto Escondido, hitting a less populated area along the coast. This region, characterized by agricultural fields and small fishing villages, is now bracing for the storm’s impact. While forecasters expect the hurricane to weaken as it moves inland and encounters the coastal mountains, the potential for flash floods and storm surges remains a concern.
As dawn broke over Acapulco, residents awoke to dark clouds but no rain. The city, still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Otis two years ago, prepared for the worst. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged residents to stay indoors or seek shelter if they lived in low-lying areas. In Puerto Escondido, waves crashed onto the esplanade, flooding some waterfront restaurants.
In the days leading up to the storm, fishermen pulled their boats out of the water, and many locals rushed to stores for last-minute supplies. The streets of Acapulco saw a heavy presence of the National Guard and police, ensuring safety as people prepared for the storm. The governor of Guerrero state announced that all movement in Acapulco and nearby beach communities would be suspended, and schools would remain closed.
Forecasters predict that Erick could bring torrential rain, with some areas expecting up to 16 inches. This raises concerns about flooding and mudslides, particularly in the mountainous regions. Emergency shelters have been set up across Guerrero to accommodate those needing to evacuate.
The memories of Hurricane Otis, which devastated Acapulco in 2023, linger in the minds of residents. Many are determined to be better prepared this time, having learned valuable lessons from the past. As the storm approaches, communities are coming together, reinforcing their homes and looking out for one another.