Hurricane Erick is on track to make landfall in Mexico as a Category 4 storm early Thursday, having already triggered school closures and flash floods in southern states, particularly Oaxaca and Guerrero. The storm is expected to strike near the port town of Puerto Escondido, with dangerously high winds and rain laying the groundwork for a severe storm surge.
As late Wednesday approached, Mexico's Civil Protection authorities issued a red alert for areas in Oaxaca and Guerrero, indicating a critical risk for severe weather. The U.S. National Hurricane Center extended a hurricane warning for a 300-mile stretch of coastline from Puerto Ángel in Oaxaca to Acapulco, Guerrero's famous resort city.
In response to the storm, the Mexican government has established over 2,000 temporary shelters across Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas, giving residents a safe haven as President Claudia Sheinbaum urged those in flood-prone and low-lying areas to seek refuge. Reports indicated that more than 100 individuals from Lagunas de Chacahua, primarily fishermen and tourism workers, had been evacuated to local schools.
Heavy rainfall from Erick resulted in flooding in Salina Cruz, a significant port city in Oaxaca, with police assisting stranded drivers and clearing debris from roads. Municipal services in coastal towns have advised residents to secure their properties, while tourists were encouraged to remain indoors.
Schools in parts of Oaxaca have remained shuttered for a second consecutive day. In preparation for the storm, many business owners in Puerto Escondido boarded up their windows and doors, bracing for the expected impacts of Erick.
Wind speeds associated with the storm have been strong enough to displace objects, uproot trees, and damage roofs. Authorities are closely monitoring water levels in rivers and dams, warning of flash flooding possibilities.
This year's Pacific hurricane season has already seen five storms develop, with Erick currently the most threatening. In 2023, the region suffered from the devastating effects of Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm that resulted in significant loss of life and extensive property damage in Acapulco. As the storm season persists until November 30, concerns for coastal communities continue to rise.
