Latest news with #Saffir-Simpson
The Journal
a day ago
- Climate
- The Journal
Category 4 Hurricane Erick hits Mexico as 'life-threatening' storm to bring mudslides
HURRICANE ERICK HAS made landfall in western Mexico as the category 4 storm is expected to cause mudslides and death. It comes as the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) upgraded its severity to a category 4 storm. In the US, the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale is used to determine the severity of storms, ranging from Category 1 to Category 5, with the latter being the most severe. The NHC describes the storm as 'extremely dangerous' as it now descends upon Mexico's Pacific coast. Erick is expected to bring 'life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain', according to the NHC's latest bulletin. Workers board up a shopfront in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Erick, in Acapulco, Mexico. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo 'Major Hurricane #Erick makes landfall in extreme western Oaxaca, Mexico just east of Punta Maldonado,' the NHC said in a post on social media, declaring the hurricane's estimated maximum winds to be around 205km/h. By 6am this morning Irish time, Erick was moving northwest at a speed of nearly 15km/h with maximum sustained winds increasing to 230km/h and higher gusts. The hurricane could strengthen further before making landfall in the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero before weakening as it moves inland, forecasters warned. Mexican authorities said they were also expecting heavy rain in Chiapas state. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged people to avoid going out, and advised those living in low-lying areas or near rivers to move to shelters. Advertisement In Acapulco, a major port and resort city famous for its nightlife, police with bullhorns walked the beach and drove around town warning residents and holidaymakers of the storm's arrival. Some shops boarded up their windows and operators of tourist boats brought their vessels ashore. Rainfall began in the late afternoon after a sunny day. About 400km south of Acapulco, the city of Puerto Escondido and its 30,000 inhabitants braced for the hurricane's effects. Restaurants were already closed despite tourists unwilling to give up their vacations, an AFP journalist noted from the scene. 'They say it's going to hit this side of the coast, so we're taking precautions to avoid having any regrets later,' Adalberto Ruiz, a 55-year-old fisherman sheltering his boat said. Laura Velazquez, national coordinator of civil protection, said the government was using patrols and social media to warn people. Some 2,000 temporary shelters have been set up in Chiapas, Guerrero and Oaxaca, and hundreds of troops and electricity workers have been deployed to help with any clean-up efforts. Local authorities have suspended classes and closed ports along the coast, including the port of Acapulco, to shipping. Mexico sees major storms every year, usually between May and November, on both its Pacific and Atlantic coasts. In October 2023, Acapulco was pummeled by Hurricane Otis, a powerful Category 5 storm that killed at least 50 people. Hurricane John, another Category 3 storm that hit Acapulco in September last year, caused about 15 deaths. With reporting from AFP. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
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.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Hurricane Erick path tracker: Warnings issued for these areas as storm nears Mexico's Pacific coast
Tropical Storm Erick has transformed into a hurricane. The National Hurricane Center stated that the hurricane was expected to bring 'damaging winds and life-threatening flash floods to portions of southern Mexico' on Wednesday night and Thursday. In its latest update, the center said that Erick is expected to reach 'major hurricane strength' either Wednesday night or early Thursday as it approaches the coast of southern Mexico. As of 11 am ET Wednesday, Erick had sustained winds of almost 85 mph, CBS News reported. The storm has higher gusts, and hurricane-force winds extend 15 miles from its center. Erick is the fifth-named storm of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season. The hurricane center, on Wednesday morning, said that Hurricane Erick was located about 160 miles south-southeast of Mexico's Puerto Angelo. A hurricane warning has been issued for areas between Acapulco and Puerto Angel. A hurricane watch has also been issued from Tecpan de Galeana to west of Acapulco. The hurricane center has issued tropical storm warnings from east of Puerto Angel to Salina Cruz and from west of Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana. Erick's wind speed could reach 111 mph if the storm strengthens as predicted. This could make it a Category 3 hurricane as per the Saffir-Simpson wind speed scale. You can see live updates on Hurricane Erick's path here. Also read: Weather today: Severe storms threaten central US as Erick to intensify into major hurricane The hurricane could result in rainfall between 8 and 16 inches, with a maximum total of 20 inches, across the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guerrero. The rainfall could lead to threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas with steep terrain, the hurricane center warned. Rainfall between 2 to 4 inches, with a maximum total of 6 inches, is expected across Guatemala as well as the Mexican states of Colima, Chiapas, Michoacán, Jalisco and Mexico City. A dangerous storm surge can result in coastal flooding, accompanied by large and destructive waves. This is expected to occur near and east of where the center of Erick crosses the coast in areas of onshore winds. Swells generated by Erick will affect coastal areas in southern Mexico through Thursday and may cause 'life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.' Yes, Erick is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible mudslides to southern coastal Mexico. The wind speed could be 111 mph if the storm strengthens as predicted. Yes, a warning has been issued from Acapulco to Puerto Angel.
Scientific American
30-05-2025
- Climate
- Scientific American
Why This Hurricane Season Has Experts on Edge
June 1 marks the official start of the hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean—and once again, the season looks like it will be busy. Though it is impossible to tell this far in advance exactly when storms will form and where they might hit, the presence of hurricane-friendly environmental conditions this season—along with the federal government cuts and policy chaos —have experts worried about the accuracy of forecasts and the resulting safety of communities. Scientific American asked several forecasters and hurricane researchers what they were most concerned about this year. Warm oceans may mean a busy hurricane season On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. Seasonal forecasts—including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's— put the odds in favor of having more storms than average this season, which will last until November 30. NOAA predicts 13 to 19 named storms, meaning those of tropical storm strength (with winds of 39 to 74 miles per hour) or higher. Of those, six to 10 are expected to become hurricanes (with winds of more than 74 mph). And among those hurricanes, three to five are expected to reach major hurricane status—meaning they will have winds that will fall within Category 3 (those of 111 to 129 mph) or a stronger category on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The expectations of an active season arise from a combination of a favorable atmospheric environment and abundant ocean heat to fuel storms. For one thing, there's no El Niño in place right now to influence winds in a way that tends to shred storms apart, says Phil Klotzbach, a hurricane researcher at Colorado State University, whose team releases its own seasonal forecast each year. And waters in the Gulf of Mexico are extremely warm right now, providing ample fuel for the convection that drives tropical cyclones. 'Over 60 percent of the Gulf is at record or near-record warmth for the time of year, and waters east of Florida and around the Bahamas are as warm as we've seen them for the start of any hurricane season in the satellite era,' says Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist at WPLG Local 10 News in Miami. Warm ocean water in these areas can cause storms to rapidly intensify right before landfall, giving communities less time to prepare for the onslaught. This is a major concern for Jill Trepanier, a hurricane researcher at Louisiana State University. 'That is just a devastating situation when it occurs,' she says. It's a situation that has played out many times in recent years, including with Hurricanes Beryl and Milton last season. 'The sticky heat of the Gulf is a worrisome trend that's undoubtedly fueling the spate of big hurricane hits along the Gulf Coast over the past decade or so,' Lowry says. 'This is consistent with recent research that suggests the Gulf has seen a significant increase over the past 42 years in the number of days where it can support high-end hurricanes.' Because of that abundant hurricane fuel, 'I would not be surprised if we see early-season activity well ahead of the peak' of activity in September, says Marshall Shepherd, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Georgia. Several experts noted that this year's conditions have some slight differences from the most recent seasons. For one, 'the waters of the deep tropical Atlantic east of the Caribbean—often a bellwether for overall hurricane season activity—are the coolest we've seen them to start a hurricane season since 2021,' Lowry says. But, he adds, they are 'still plenty warm ... and forecast to remain so, which should favor above-average activity.' Though the overall message is that this will be a busier-than-normal season, it is not predicted to be quite as busy as those of the past few years. Klotzbach is worried that could lead to complacency. 'My biggest concern is that, because the seasonal forecasts are a bit less aggressive than last year..., people may tend to let their guard down,' he says. Communities are still recovering Inevitably, each time a new hurricane season begins, some communities are still reeling from storms from the previous year—and often even further back in time. This year 'places in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas are still recovering from Helene, Milton and Debby,' Shepherd says, citing three of the worst storms of the 2024 season. A National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report released last year warned that the Gulf Coast in particular risked being in 'perpetual disaster recovery' mode. The report noted that seven hurricanes struck the region in 2020 and 2021 alone. It's entirely possible that some of the communities pummeled in recent years could face hurricane peril again this year. 'With projections of average to above-average activity, all it takes is one storm to compound an already bad situation for many people,' Marshall says. NWS and FEMA cuts Piled atop these concerns is the situation within the federal government, with substantial budget and staffing cuts to the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 'It remains to be seen what the impacts of reduced staffing across relevant NOAA offices and agencies will be,' says Brian McNoldy, a tropical storm researcher at the University of Miami. 'But any loss of expertise, data collection capabilities and around-the-clock monitoring is troubling during critical, high-impact situations.' Though the National Hurricane Center (NHC) monitors the development of tropical storms and hurricanes and produces the main forecasts, local NWS offices still play a crucial role in providing more localized warnings about storm surge, flooding and winds. Many offices in hurricane-prone areas are understaffed, says Jeff Masters, a writer at Yale Climate Connections and a former Hurricane Hunter at NOAA. Among those, the NWS's Houston and Miami offices are suffering the largest staff shortages. The NWS has asked staff from other offices to move into some of these open slots. Lowry and Masters also point out that the cuts have reduced the number of weather balloons launches. Balloon data are crucial for understanding the larger atmospheric patterns that determine where a hurricane will go—and who might need to evacuate or take other precautions. There is one positive note: 'I was very pleased to see the Hurricane Hunters reinstated,' Trepanier says, referring to three of the meteorologists who fly specialized, equipment-laden planes directly into storms to gather data that significantly improve forecasts. 'Though it isn't enough to offset the concern, it is a move in a good direction.' James Franklin, former chief of the NHC's Hurricane Specialist Unit, says he is concerned about trainings for emergency managers that were canceled earlier this year Their absence could leave areas less prepared and less able to know what decisions to make based on forecasts. 'When training has to be cut down…, it just makes those kinds of mistakes on the emergency management side more likely to occur,' he says. Finally, another big worry is simply the government's ability to respond with help for victims when a storm hits. Masters' biggest worry is that FEMA won't 'be capable of managing a major disaster right now.' Reports by CNN and other news outlets have cited internal FEMA memos that report the loss of 30 percent of full-time staff. 'I wrote the plan FEMA uses to respond to hurricanes,' says Lowry, a former employee of both the NHC and FEMA, 'and it's hard to imagine the agency will be able to meet its mission-critical functions this season with such depleted staffing and without a fully revised plan.'
CBS News
22-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Watch Live: NOAA's 2025 Atlantic hurricane season forecast predicts above-normal number of storms
Ten days before start of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have announced their forecast for how many tropical storms and hurricanes to expect this year. The current outlook predicts a 60% chance of an "above-normal" hurricane season, with between 13 to 19 named storms. Six to 10 of those are expected to strengthen into hurricanes, and three to five could become major hurricanes, forecasters said. They estimated there's a 30% chance of a "near-normal" season and a 10% chance of a "below-normal" season. NOAA, the federal agency in charge of weather and climate predictions, releases its seasonal hurricane outlook each spring. It incorporates research from the Climate Prediction Center, the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service, all branches of the agency. Acting NOAA administrator Laura Grimm and National Weather Service director Ken Graham are presenting the latest findings during a news conference Thursday morning at the Jefferson Parish Emergency Operations Center in Gretna, Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans. Watch a livestream of the announcement, beginning at 11 a.m. Eastern Time, in the video player above. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 until November 30, with peak activity typically occurring between mid-August and mid-October. An average season produces 14 named storms, including seven that develop into hurricanes. Three of those, on average, become major hurricanes, meaning a Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with sustained wind speeds of at least 111 miles per hour. Category 5, the top of the scale, brings wind speeds of at least 157 mph. Some seasons are more active than others, and hurricanes at times can occur outside of the designated six-month window. Science has shown in recent years that climate change is contributing to the intensity of these storms, which are fueled by warmer waters. Researchers are continuing to explore connections between rising temperatures and more destructive tropical weather. Because each year is different, NOAA's hurricane forecast provides a framework for communities in storm-prone areas to prepare for the season ahead. The agency may also release an updated hurricane forecast later in the season should their assessment change. Last year, NOAA predicted an above-average number of storms, with between 8 and 13 hurricanes. The 2024 season ended up producing 11 hurricanes, five of which strengthened into major hurricanes. Five hurricanes made landfall in the continental U.S., including two — Helene and Milton — that hit as major hurricanes. Threat of an above-average hurricane season When researchers from Colorado State University's Tropical Cyclones, Radar, Atmospheric Modeling and Software team published their annual forecast earlier this spring, they predicted an above-average hurricane season for 2025, likely producing stronger and more frequent storms than a typical year but fewer than last season. Their predictions have tended to more or less align with those released by NOAA. Levi Silvers, who leads the research team at Colorado State, told CBS News in April that their predictions are "fundamentally dependent on the observations that NOAA collects all around the globe," especially in the oceans, so they generally reach similar conclusions. Silvers and his team predicted there would be 17 named storms this season — tropical storms with sustained wind speeds of at least 39 mph. According to their forecast, nine of the storms will grow into hurricanes, with three developing into major hurricanes. That would place hurricane activity at roughly 125% of the seasonal average recorded between 1991 and 2020, according to their report. "It's a noticeable and important difference, because it matters for people along the coastlines whenever we have an above average season," Silvers said at the time. The Colorado State report largely attributed the higher activity expected this year to warm sea surface temperatures, which can essentially act as fuel for storms. But the findings also pointed to "considerable uncertainty" as to which phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, or ENSO, cycle, would coincide with the coming hurricane season. El Niño, the warmer half of the cycle, is often linked to conditions in a section of the equatorial Pacific that disfavor hurricanes, while La Niña, the colder inverse, is considered more conducive to hurricane formation. La Niña conditions ended shortly after CSU released its hurricane forecast and returned to "neutral," a state that researchers said could be favorable for hurricanes to develop in the absence of El Niño.
