Latest news with #EasternPacific
Time of India
a day ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Hurricane Erick slams into Mexico as Category 3 storm: are you in the danger zone? Flash floods, red alerts, and evacuations hit Oaxaca and Guerrero — here's what you need to know
Hurricane Erick makes landfall in Mexico as Category 3 storm, triggers evacuations and flash flooding- Hurricane Erick made landfall early Thursday morning on Mexico's southern Pacific coast, hitting as a Category 3 hurricane after earlier reaching Category 4 strength. With wind speeds of around 125 mph, the storm struck just east of Punta Maldonado, moving inland through Oaxaca and Guerrero, forcing evacuations, closing schools, and setting off dangerous flash floods. While the storm slightly weakened before landfall, officials warned that it would still cause life-threatening floods, mudslides, and storm surge, especially in mountainous and coastal areas. More than 2,000 emergency shelters were set up across Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Chiapas, and Mexico's Civil Protection authorities issued a red alert in multiple regions. Erick, the fifth named storm in the eastern Pacific this year, is expected to weaken further as it moves inland, with forecasters from the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicting it could dissipate by early Friday. How strong is Hurricane Erick? Erick intensified rapidly in less than 24 hours, morphing from a moderate hurricane into what experts called an 'extremely dangerous' system. This rapid strengthening, driven by warm ocean waters and favorable atmospheric conditions, turned Erick into the first major hurricane of the Eastern Pacific season —and the earliest "E" storm on record. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Doutor: Manter a massa muscular após os 50 anos depende deste hábito noturno Revista do Homem Saiba Mais Undo The storm made landfall near western Oaxaca , packing sustained winds around 125 mph (205 kph) after briefly reaching Category 4 intensity overnight. Where exactly did Hurricane Erick make landfall? Hurricane Erick came ashore around 6 a.m. local time near Punta Maldonado in western Oaxaca, moving northwest through the region. At the time of landfall, Erick had maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, making it a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Earlier on Wednesday night, it had intensified rapidly from a tropical storm to a Category 4 hurricane, with its wind speeds doubling in just hours. Live Events According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, the storm was expected to produce 8 to 12 inches of rain across most areas it passed, with some locations possibly receiving up to 16 inches, especially in high-risk regions of Oaxaca and Guerrero. Which areas are under red alert? Authorities in Oaxaca and Guerrero declared a red alert , Mexico's highest warning level, urging residents to take shelter immediately. The storm's path stretched from Acapulco to Puerto Ángel , prompting widespread evacuations, school closures, and a halt to non-essential activities. More than 500 emergency shelters were opened, and over 18,000 emergency personnel were deployed across the affected states. Which areas and cities were hit hardest by Hurricane Erick? Hurricane Erick made a destructive landfall along Mexico's southern Pacific coast, bringing devastating winds, flash floods, and dangerous surf. Here's a breakdown of the most affected locations: Direct hit and landfall area: Santiago Pinotepa Nacional, Oaxaca – Official landfall site; experienced the full force of Erick's 125 mph winds. Punta Maldonado – Located just east of landfall, hit by storm surge and heavy rain. Severely impacted coastal cities: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca – A popular tourist area now battling powerful waves, flooding, and wind damage. Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca – Under hurricane warning; coastal infrastructure under threat. Salina Cruz, Oaxaca – Facing flooding concerns and strong wind gusts. Huatulco, Oaxaca – Reports of damage at hospitals; rough seas batter the coastline. Acapulco, Guerrero – Under red alert; residents still recovering from past hurricane trauma now face another major threat. Broader danger zone: States on red alert : Oaxaca Guerrero Additional areas under flood watch : Chiapas Michoacán Colima Jalisco These regions are dealing with up to 16–20 inches of rainfall , severe flash flood risk, and potential mudslides in mountainous zones. What kind of damage is expected? The biggest threats aren't just from wind—though gusts toppled trees and damaged homes—but from relentless rainfall. Meteorologists are warning of up to 16 inches (40 cm) of rain in some areas, raising fears of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, especially in mountainous terrain. Coastal regions are also bracing for storm surge and waves up to 33 feet (10 meters). What emergency actions did Mexico take before Hurricane Erick arrived? In preparation for the storm, Mexican authorities responded swiftly. Over 2,000 temporary shelters were established in Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. A hurricane warning was issued for a 300-mile stretch of coastline from Puerto Ángel to Acapulco. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged residents living in low-lying areas, near rivers or waterways, to evacuate to these shelters and avoid venturing out. ' If you are in low-lying areas, near rivers, near waterways, it is best for you to go to shelters... Anyone who has a boat should not go out, ' Sheinbaum emphasized during a Wednesday morning news conference. How have local communities and infrastructure been impacted? The storm caused widespread disruption even before landfall. In Lagunas de Chacahua, over 100 residents — many of them fishermen and tourism workers — took refuge in schools. In Salina Cruz, a vital seaport in Oaxaca, streets were flooded, and cars were left stranded. Local police worked through the day clearing rocks, debris, and fallen branches from blocked roads. Residents and business owners in Puerto Escondido boarded up windows in anticipation, and tourists were advised to remain indoors. In affected areas of Oaxaca, schools were closed for the second day in a row, according to Emilio Montero Pérez, the state's education chief. Is flooding the biggest concern with Hurricane Erick? Yes, according to the National Hurricane Center, the greatest threats are heavy rainfall, flash floods, and dangerous mudslides. The forecast of up to 16 inches of rain in some locations raises the alarm, particularly for mountainous terrain where saturated soil can trigger deadly landslides. Authorities are closely watching dams and rivers to prevent overflow. Coastal areas are also experiencing large waves and strong swells, increasing the risk of storm surge and flooding along beaches and river mouths. How does Hurricane Erick compare to past storms in Mexico? Hurricane Erick's rapid intensification has drawn comparisons to Hurricane Otis, which struck Mexico's Pacific coast in 2023 as a Category 5 hurricane, killing over 50 people and devastating the city of Acapulco. Otis's damage included sunken yachts, flattened homes, and destroyed hotels. While Erick made landfall with less intensity than Otis, its fast development and projected rainfall totals are serious enough that authorities are urging residents not to underestimate the threat. As the fifth named storm of the 2025 Pacific hurricane season, Erick highlights ongoing concerns about stronger and faster-developing tropical systems. What should locals and tourists do now? Authorities are urging everyone in the danger zones to: Follow evacuation orders without delay. Avoid rivers, hillsides, and low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding or landslides. Stay away from beaches , as rough surf and deadly rip currents are expected to persist even after the storm weakens. As Hurricane Erick continues inland, its winds are expected to die down, but the danger from flooding, mudslides, and rough seas remains very real. Residents across Oaxaca and Guerrero are being urged to stay sheltered, avoid travel, and follow updates from Civil Protection and the National Hurricane Center. With heavy rain forecast through Friday, the focus now shifts to managing post-landfall conditions and ensuring safety in affected communities. FAQs: Q1: Where did Hurricane Erick make landfall in Mexico? Hurricane Erick made landfall near Punta Maldonado, in Oaxaca. Q2: How strong was Hurricane Erick when it hit Mexico? Hurricane Erick hit as a Category 3 storm with winds around 125 mph.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Hurricane Erick Makes Category 3 Mexico Landfall With Life-Threatening Flooding, High Winds
Hurricane Erick has made landfall in southern Mexico at Category 3 intensity with life-threatening storm surge, rainfall flooding and high winds. Erick rapidly intensified from a 40 mph tropical storm Tuesday morning to Cat 4 intensity at midnight Thursday morning. Six hours later, Erick made landfall in extreme western Oaxaca state east of Punta Maldonado as a Cat 3 with 125 mph winds, according to the National Hurricane Center. Erick became the first Eastern Pacific major hurricane on record to landfall in Mexico prior to August, in records dating to the late 1950s. The previous earliest major hurricane to landfall in western Mexico from the Pacific side was Kiko, on Aug. 26, 1989, in the southern Baja Peninsula, according to NOAA records. (MORE: What Is Rapid Intensification?) Erick became the Eastern Pacific's second hurricane of the season early Wednesday morning, almost four weeks ahead of the season's average second hurricane pace. The season's fifth storm has historically formed by July 23, based on the 1991-2020 average. -Alerts: Hurricane warnings are posted for parts of Mexico's Guerrero and Oaxaca states, including Acapulco. Hurricane watches and tropical storm warnings extend to the west and east of this hurricane warning, as shown in the map below. (MORE: Rating Hurricanes With The Saffir-Simpson Scale) -Timing, Intensity: Now inland, Erick is expected to weaken rapidly and dissipate by late tonight or early Friday, but will still lash parts of southern Mexico the rest of the day. -Surge, Wind Impacts: Erick's worst storm surge and devastating wind impacts will be along and just east of where the center comes ashore in parts of western Oaxaca and eastern Guerrero states. Those greatest threats will be east of Acapulco, but strong wind gusts are also possible in the city, particularly over higher terrain. (MORE: Atlantic Hurricane Season Could Go '0 For June.' Does That Matter?) -Heavy Rain A More Widespread Threat: The heaviest totals of 8 to 12 inches, with locally up to 16 inches possible, are forecast in the Oaxaca and Guerrero states. Life-threatening flash flooding is likely and mudslides are a threat in the mountainous terrain near this coast.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Hurricane Erick nears Mexico's Pacific coast as ‘extremely dangerous' Category 4 with 140 mph winds
Hurricane Erick, the fifth named storm of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, is moving dangerously close to the southern coast of Mexico. As of early Thursday morning (ET), the National Hurricane Center (NHC) classified Erick as an 'extremely dangerous' Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 140 mph and higher gusts. According to CBS, in its latest bulletin at 4 am ET, the NHC warned that Erick's core is expected to move onshore shortly, bringing 'extremely destructive winds' and intense rainfall that could lead to 'life-threatening flooding and mudslides.' The storm's hurricane-force winds are currently extending up to 25 miles from its center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach 90 miles out. The Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guerrero are likely to experience the brunt of Erick's impact, with landfall forecast 'in the western portion of Oaxaca or eastern Guerrero.' The NHC has issued a hurricane warning for areas from Acapulco to Puerto Angel, while a hurricane watch remains in effect from west of Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana. According to forecasts, Erick could bring rainfall between 8 and 12 inches in Oaxaca and Guerrero, with total rainfall in isolated pockets reaching up to 16 inches. Flash floods and mudslides are considered likely in areas with steep terrain. Chiapas, Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco may receive between 2 and 4 inches of rain. The storm surge accompanying Erick is expected to be 'dangerous' and 'life-threatening,' the hurricane center said, warning of potential coastal flooding near and west of the landfall zone. The surge is likely to be accompanied by 'large and destructive waves.' Also read: Hurricane Erick path tracker: Warnings issued for these areas as storm nears Mexico's Pacific coast Erick's arrival comes less than a year after Hurricane Otis devastated Acapulco in October 2023. Otis struck as a Category 5 storm after rapidly intensifying, leaving dozens dead and widespread destruction in its path. The NHC reminded the public that hurricanes pose multiple threats, not just from wind. 'Water hazards - storm surge and inland flooding - have historically been the leading causes of loss of life during hurricanes,' it said. The center of the storm is forecast to make landfall in western Oaxaca or eastern Guerrero. As of Thursday morning ET, Erick is a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 140 mph. Oaxaca and Guerrero could see up to 16 inches of rainfall.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Hurricane Erick path and updates as storm rapidly intensifies to Category 2
Erick is expected to become a major hurricane as it moves towards southern Mexico, with heavy rainfall and damaging winds being a major concern for the area Hurricane Erick, the fifth tempest of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, is gathering momentum as it heads towards Mexico. On Wednesday morning, the National Hurricane Centre announced that Erick is predicted to intensify swiftly today and evolve into a significant hurricane as it nears southern Mexico by Thursday. ET Wednesday, Erick was upgraded to a Category 2 storm with nearly 100 mph sustained winds and higher gusts. Hurricane-force winds extend 15 miles, while tropical storm-force winds reach 105 miles from its centre. The storm is anticipated to strike the southern coast of Mexico Wednesday night and then move inland on Thursday. Consequently, there's a hurricane warning in effect from Acapulco to Puerto Ángel, and a hurricane watch for areas west of Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana, reports the Mirror US. A tropical storm warning is also in place from east of Puerto Ángel to Salina Cruz and for the area west of Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana. READ MORE: Miracle of seat 11A as singer survived fatal plane crash in exact same position The National Hurricane Centre reported that Tropical Storm Erick is accelerating in speed and is expected to develop into a major hurricane before making landfall. A major hurricane is classified as Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale, which means it will have winds between 111 mph and 129 mph-enough to cause some serious damage, according to NOAA. Hurricane Erick is forecast to unleash heavy rain on Mexico, with between eight and 16 inches expected in some regions, and up to 20 inches in the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero. The National Hurricane Centre has warned that this could trigger severe flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas with rugged terrain. Meanwhile, the states of Chiapas, Michoacán, Colima, Jalisco, and Mexico City are bracing themselves for two to four inches of rain. A storm surge is also predicted to hit the coast, causing sea levels to rise and leading to coastal flooding and destructive waves. One area expected to bear the brunt of the storm is Acapulco, which is still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Otis in October 2023. Hurricane Otis made landfall as a Category 5 storm, bringing with it winds of up to 115 mph, and causing widespread damage and loss of life after its winds intensified at a record-breaking rate. "We are left with nothing," one woman told CBS. "Everything is damaged."
Time of India
2 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Hurricane Erick intensifies: What to know about its path and how to remain safe
Hurricane Erick is gaining momentum as it tracks toward Mexico's southern coastline, prompting warnings across multiple states. As the fifth named storm of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, Erick is expected to intensify into a major hurricane before making landfall. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now As per reports, Erick had sustained winds near 85 mph, with stronger gusts reported. Hurricane-force winds extended 15 miles from the center, while tropical storm-force winds reached as far as 70 miles. The storm, currently listed as Category 1, is forecast to continue strengthening and make landfall Thursday, with the possibility of reaching Category 3 intensity. A hurricane warning is currently in effect from Acapulco to Puerto Angel, and a hurricane watch extends westward to Texpan de Galeana. What to expect: Wind, rain, and coastal flooding Category 3 hurricanes can cause widespread structural damage and long-term service disruptions. "Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends," officials noted. "Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes." The hurricane is expected to bring heavy rainfall with 8 to 16 inches projected for Oaxaca and Guerrero, and up to 20 inches in some areas. This raises the risk of flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain. Chiapas, Michoacan, Colima, Jalisco, and Mexico City may receive between 3 and 5 inches of rain. Storm surge and destructive waves are also likely along the coast, especially near areas already vulnerable from past storms. Acapulco, which was hit hard by Hurricane Otis in October 2023, is again in the projected path. Final preparations urged as storm nears With Erick intensifying and landfall expected soon, emergency services and local authorities are urging people in affected areas to take all necessary precautions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion," they stated. How to stay safe: Precautions to take before Hurricane Erick arrives If you're in the areas expected to be affected by Hurricane Erick, it's important to act quickly and prepare. Here are key steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your property: Secure your home: Reinforce doors and windows, and bring outdoor furniture or loose objects inside to prevent them from becoming projectiles. Stock up on essentials: Gather enough water, non-perishable food, medications, batteries, flashlights, and hygiene supplies to last several days. Charge your devices: Make sure your phone, power banks, and any necessary electronics are fully charged in case of power outages. Know your evacuation zone: Along with the precautionary measures, it is advised to stay informed about local evacuation routes and shelters, and be ready to leave if authorities issue an order. Avoid risky areas: Stay away from coastal zones, rivers, or steep hills where flooding and mudslides are more likely. Prepare an emergency kit: Include first-aid supplies, copies of important documents, extra clothes, and cash in a waterproof bag. Stay informed: Keep monitoring updates from local authorities through reliable news sources, weather apps, or emergency alerts. Check on others: Help neighbors, especially elderly people or those with special needs, make preparations or reach safety if needed.
