Major Hurricane Erick hits Mexico's Pacific coast, life-threatening floods expected
By Aida Pelaez-Fernandez
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Hurricane Erick made landfall on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, on Thursday morning, authorities said, potentially bringing intense rains and life-threatening floods and mudslides.
The storm made landfall around 5:30 am local time in the town of Santiago Pinotepa Nacional, in the state of Oaxaca, as a category 3 major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 205 km/h and gusts of 250 km/h, Mexico's national water commission, Conagua, said.
Scientists have warned that Erick, the first hurricane to make landfall in Mexico this hurricane season, could become the most intense hurricane along Mexico's Pacific coast this early in the season, which runs from May to November.
Forecasters predict an above-average active season, with between eight and 11 hurricanes, and four to six of those reaching major hurricane status.
The storm center is expected to move inland over southern Mexico throughout the day with winds that could be especially destructive near its core, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said in a report.
Up to 16 inches (about 41 cm) of rain is expected to hit the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, according to NHC.
Moving forward, "Erick is expected to rapidly weaken over the mountains of Mexico, and the system is likely to dissipate tonight or early Friday," the center added.
THREATS TO RESIDENTS
"Heavy rainfall will lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain," NHC warned, as local authorities asked residents to remain vigilant.
Mexico's Ministry of Environment and Conagua gave a similar warning, adding that waves in coastal areas were reaching up to 10 meters (33 ft) high.
Local media and videos shared on social networks showed flooded streets in some of the main tourist destinations along Mexico's Pacific coast, such as Huatulco.
Oaxaca Governor Salomon Jara, in a post on X, urged residents to follow authorities' recommendations and said shelters were available for those in areas at risk.
Mexican authorities have also been coordinating evacuation efforts for tourists in beach destinations, including Acapulco.
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