Hurricane Erick Update: Tropical Storm Strengthens in Pacific
Tropical Storm Erick has formed in the eastern Pacific and is forecast to intensify into a hurricane as it approaches the southern coast of Mexico.
Erick marks the fifth named system of the 2025 eastern Pacific hurricane season and could become the first to make landfall, according to Fox Weather, with a projected path carrying it toward southern Mexico by the end of the week.
As of 6 a.m. CST on June 17, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Erick was located approximately 430 miles southeast of Punta Maldonado, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour and moving west-northwest at 12 mph.
The growing storm threatens heavy rainfall, strong winds, and life-threatening flooding across parts of Mexico and Central America. According to the NHC, areas in the path of Erick—including Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero—could see up to 15 inches of rain in some locations. Coastal regions of Guatemala and parts of El Salvador are also under threat of rainfall.
The NHC warned that tropical storm-force winds extended 45 miles from the center of the system. It also said that a hurricane watch was in effect from Bahias de Huatulco to Punta Maldonado, and a tropical storm watch extended eastward to Salina Cruz.
Forecasters predict that the system will move northwest as the week progresses. It could reach hurricane strength on Wednesday, according to the NHC.
AccuWeather meteorologist Jesse Ferrel, Tuesday on X (formerly Twitter): "We think Hurricane Erick could hit Mexico stronger than Cat 2. Will moderately affect Acapulco which was devastated by Otis 2 years ago, but main effects far to the east. Near landfall, there could be 125 mph winds & 20 inches of rain."
Meteorologist Jim Cantore, Tuesday on X: "Soon to be Erick in the eastern Pacific has everything it needs to intensify and that will accelerate over the next 24 hours and beyond. Some guidance makes it a Major Hurricane. Guidance has shifted west enough so Acapulco is in play. This is not Otis and it's coming in at a whole different angle, but certainly expect some impact weather. New package from NHC may have updates to intensity and track. Rapid development from many of the reliable models occurs with this storm."
The NHC said a hurricane warning would likely be required for a portion of the Mexican coast later on Tuesday.
For the latest information on Tropical Storm Erick, including forecasts and advisories, visit the National Hurricane Center's website.
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