Oaxaca, Mexico – Hurricane Erick is intensifying off Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, with hurricane-force winds and destructive seas expected to reach parts of Oaxaca and Guerrero late Wednesday into Thursday. The storm, now packing sustained winds near 75 mph, could reach major hurricane strength before landfall.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Erick was located about 160 miles south-southeast of Puerto Ángel as of 6 a.m. CST Wednesday. The system is moving northwest at 7 mph and is forecast to strengthen rapidly today, bringing hurricane conditions and life-threatening flash flooding to southern Mexico. Hurricane warnings are in effect for coastal areas of Oaxaca and Guerrero.
Forecasters are also warning of 12 to 20 inches of rain in localized areas, with the highest totals near the Oaxaca coast. The latest rainfall outlook shows a high risk of dangerous flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous terrain. A storm surge could also bring coastal flooding east of where Erick makes landfall, including around Salina Cruz.
Hurricane-force winds may extend up to 30 km from Erick’s center, with tropical-storm-force winds pushing outward nearly 110 km. Offshore seas are expected to peak above 23 feet late Wednesday.
The next full advisory from the National Hurricane Center is due at 9 a.m. CST. Residents in the warning area should prepare now, as conditions will worsen quickly overnight.
