Hurricane Erick Intensifies to Category 3 as It Approaches Mexico’s Pacific Coast

ACAPULCO, Mexico Hurricane Erick strengthened into a powerful Category 3 storm on Wednesday evening, posing a significant threat to southern Mexico with intense winds and torrential rain, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

The Miami-based center reported that Erick’s maximum sustained winds had surged to 120 mph following a period of rapid intensification, escalating from a Category 1 storm earlier in the day.

At the time of the latest advisory, Erick was positioned roughly 55 miles south-southwest of Puerto Ángel and approximately 160 miles southeast of Punta Maldonado, moving northwest at around 9 mph across the eastern Pacific.

Forecasters predict the storm’s core will approach the coastline near Acapulco, a city still recovering from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Otis in 2023. That Category 5 hurricane, which also rapidly intensified before landfall, caused severe devastation claiming at least 52 lives, leaving 32 missing, and damaging nearly every hotel in the tourist hotspot.

On Wednesday, the streets of Acapulco saw heightened security and emergency preparations, with National Guard forces, police, and crews from the national power utility actively clearing canals and debris. While some beaches were closed, others still drew tourists under clear skies.

Along the shore, locals worked to secure boats. Adrián Acevedo Durantes, 52, who runs sightseeing tours, recalled losing two boats to Otis and suffering heavy damage to a third. “We weren’t prepared for Otis,” he said. “Now, with climate change, the storms are getting stronger.”

Authorities have prohibited residents from staying aboard boats during Erick a practice that, during Otis, led to fatalities. Acevedo said he personally knew some of those lost at sea.

Despite the calm weather earlier in the day, Acevedo warned against complacency. “It was just like this before Otis sunny and quiet and then everything changed overnight.”

In Acapulco’s markets, residents like Francisco Casarubio were seen gathering supplies ahead of the storm. Casarubio, a 46-year-old choreographer, remembered losing power and dealing with flooding during Otis. “I’m not taking any chances this time,” he said, stocking up on essentials like eggs, rice, and canned goods.

Erick is expected to deliver heavy rainfall, violent winds, and dangerous coastal surges to the southern states of Guerrero and Oaxaca, with projected rainfall reaching up to 16 inches in some areas. Lighter but still significant rain is anticipated in Chiapas, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco. The combination of rain and mountainous terrain raises the risk of landslides and flash flooding.

The hurricane is projected to make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday as a major storm, defined as Category 3 or higher with sustained winds above 111 mph.

A hurricane warning remains in effect from Puerto Ángel to Acapulco, urging residents to finalize all protective measures and follow official guidance.

Farther down the coast in Puerto Escondido, locals began hauling boats ashore under overcast skies. Red flags warned swimmers to stay out of the water, though some surfers braved the waves despite the approaching storm.

Laura Velázquez, head of Mexico’s national civil defense agency, confirmed that Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas should expect intense rainfall. These areas are especially vulnerable to landslides and overflowing rivers due to the mountainous terrain.

Governor Evelyn Salgado of Guerrero announced the closure of all schools and confirmed that 582 emergency shelters were ready across the state. Acapulco’s port was closed Tuesday evening, and coastal communities were alerted to prepare boats and take shelter.

President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the nation Wednesday morning, urging people in Erick’s path to stay indoors or head to designated shelters, stressing the importance of following safety instructions as the storm approaches.

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