Hurricane Erick Makes Landfall in Southern Mexico as Category 3 Storm

Hurricane Erick made landfall in Oaxaca, Mexico, as a Category 3 storm with winds at 125 mph. The storm is expected to weaken as it moves inland, but it poses significant threats of flooding and mudslides. Preparations are underway as local authorities urge residents to seek safety, recalling the devastation of Hurricane Otis.

Hurricane Erick made a significant impact in southern Mexico, hitting the coast of Oaxaca early Thursday morning as a Category 3 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center based in Miami. The hurricane’s eye was about 20 miles east of Punta Maldonado, with wind speeds reaching 125 mph. It was reported that the storm was moving northwest at 9 mph by the hurricane center.

Before making landfall, Erick was downgraded from a Category 4 to a Category 3 hurricane. However, this does not diminish its potential threat, as a Category 3 storm still carries winds of up to 129 mph. The hurricane approached a sparsely populated area between the tourist hotspots of Acapulco and Puerto Escondido, affecting a stretch of coastline that primarily consists of agricultural fields and small fishing villages.

Forecasters predict that Erick will weaken rapidly after impacting the coastal mountains of southern Mexico, likely dissipating late Thursday or early Friday. The hurricane posed risks not only in wind strength but also in potential flash flooding and dangerous storm surges, especially near its center.

As daylight broke over Acapulco, residents notably spotted dark clouds above, yet, surprisingly, there had been little to no rain, with just small waves washing ashore. The hurricane was expected to push northwest along the coast during the day, bringing heavy rain to the mountainous regions nearby. Fortunately for Acapulco, it seemed the city had avoided the brunt of Erick’s destructive winds.

In the hours before landfall, President Claudia Sheinbaum urged residents through a video message to remain indoors or seek refuge in shelters if they lived in areas prone to flooding. That evening, the beach in Puerto Escondido was submerged as waves crashed against the esplanade, and fishing boats were washed ashore.

Preparations were evident in Puerto Escondido, with fishermen hauling their vessels out of the water. Meanwhile, some surfers took to the waves at Zicatela beach, disregarding the red flags warning of dangerous conditions. Acapulco’s residents were particularly cautious as their memories of the deadly Hurricane Otis, which struck in 2023, were still fresh.

During Otis, Acapulco faced catastrophic damage, resulting in at least 52 fatalities and widespread destruction of hotels and homes. In light of this, Guerrero’s governor, Evelyn Salgado, issued a directive halting all movement in Acapulco and nearby areas as of 8 p.m. on Wednesday, with schools remaining closed on Thursday.

Carlos Ozuna Romero, who lost his restaurant during the Otis disaster, noted the anxiety today’s warnings caused. “Authorities’ warnings fill us with fear and obviously make us remember everything we’ve already been through,” he said, highlighting the lingering trauma of past storms. Others across the region prepared by fortifying their homes and gathering essential supplies.

As anxiety loomed over Acapulco, Verónica Gómez, a local, summarized the prevailing sentiment, “We’re all afraid because we think the same thing could happen.” Despite this, she expressed a sense of readiness, stating, “Now it’s not going to catch us by surprise.”

National Guard and police presence was heightened in Acapulco, where crews worked to clear drainage systems ahead of the storm. The weather forecast suggested that Erick would produce heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and storm surges, with anticipated rain totals as high as 16 inches in Oaxaca and Guerrero, raising concerns about flooding and mudslides, especially in steeper terrains.

As the hurricane’s intensity increased rapidly, it highlighted trends in storm behavior, with the hurricane center reporting a twice-average occurrence of rapid intensification in storms last year. Officials continued to monitor the situation closely, readying 582 shelters across Guerrero for potential evacuations.

In summary, Hurricane Erick impacted southern Mexico, making landfall in Oaxaca as a Category 3 hurricane, with winds reaching up to 125 mph. While the storm caused extensive preparations and heightened alerts, particularly due to the memories of Hurricane Otis, it is predicted to weaken as it encounters mountainous terrain. Authorities remain vigilant, urging people to seek safety in shelters as flooding and mudslides pose significant risks in the region.

Original Source: spectrumlocalnews.com