Hurricane Erick 2025

June 19, 2025 — As Hurricane Erick intensifies into a major tropical cyclone, residents and authorities along Mexico's southern Pacific coast are on high alert. This article provides the latest updates, impacts, and safety measures surrounding the storm.

What Is Hurricane Erick?

Hurricane Erick is the fifth named storm, second hurricane, and the first major (Category 3+) hurricane of the 2025 Eastern Pacific season . Formed from a tropical wave west of Costa Rica on June 17, the storm underwent rapid intensification and achieved Category 4 status—sustained winds of 145 mph and a central pressure of 939 mb—by June 19.

1. Meteorological Summary

Latest Updates (Today)

• Category 4 Upgrade: The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has classified Erick as an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 cyclone with winds of 145 mph (230 km/h).

• Projected Landfall: Forecasts predict landfall early Thursday morning along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast—between Oaxaca and Guerrero, near Puerto Escondido.

• Threats: Authorities warn of a powerful storm surge, destructive winds, heavy rainfall (up to 16 inches/40 cm), flash floods, mudslides, and dangerous high waves.

• Evacuations & Preparedness:

  • Over 580 shelters are ready in Guerrero; more than 2,000 shelters across Oaxaca and Guerrero.

  • Schools closed in Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero; beach and port closures in Acapulco.

  • ~18,000 emergency personnel deployed, including Navy, Marines, and municipal teams .

2. Areas Under Threat

• Oaxaca & Guerrero:

  • Hurricane watches/warnings issued from Acapulco to Puerto Ángel .

  • Mudslides and flash floods expected in mountain terrain.

• Acapulco: Still recovering from 2023’s Hurricane Otis, the city is bracing with sandbags, plywood, and power crews deployed .

• Honduras & Guatemala: Erick’s earlier rains caused flooding and landslides, resulting in 1 fatality in Honduras and 16 deaths in Guatemala—plus widespread displacement.

Emergency Advisories & Safety Tips

• Evacuate low-lying areas and seek shelter if advised.

• Stock essential supplies:

  • Water (3–5 days worth)

  • Non‑perishable food

  • Flashlights, batteries, first-aid kit

  • Medications and important documents

• Secure property:

  • Board up windows and doors

  • Anchor outdoor furniture

  • Fill sandbags to prevent flooding

• Stay informed:

  • Follow locals’ official channels (radio, TV, authorities online)

  • Monitor NHC and Conagua advisories

  • Keep power banks/phones charged

What Makes Erick Especially Dangerous

• Rapid Intensification: The storm doubled in strength in less than 24 hours, a pattern seen in growing number of powerful tropical systems .

• Historical Context: As the earliest fifth named storm on record in the Eastern Pacific, with major hurricane status reached in just two days.

• Terrain Risks: Steep mountains in Oaxaca and Guerrero increase vulnerability to flash floods and landslides.

3. Response from Authorities

• Government Mobilization: Federally led DN‑III plan activated; 18,000 personnel deployed .

• Local Actions:

  • Suspension of classes and public events

  • Port, beach, and airport closures

  • Evacuation center readiness targeted at at-risk communities

Residents’ Perspectives

• Many locals compare Erick to Otis—recalling its devastation in 2023.

• One Acapulco resident stated:

  “Authorities' warnings fill us with fear and obviously make us remember everything we've already been through” .

• Others emphasize that lessons learned have improved preparedness:

  “Now it's not going to catch us by surprise”.

What Comes Next?

• Within 24 hours: Major hurricane conditions expected along the coast.

• Post-landfall: Rapid weakening expected but heavy rain and floods will continue inland.

• Next 48 hours: Focus shifts to recovery—restoring power, clearing debris, and assessing structural damage.

Key Facts

• Storm Name: Hurricane Erick

• Date Formed: June 17, 2025

• Peak Strength: Category 4, 145 mph

• Forecast Landfall: Thursday morning, June 19–20, 2025

• Affected Areas: Oaxaca, Guerrero, parts of Chiapas, Michoacán

• Shelters Opened: ~2,000+

• Emergency Staff Deployed: ~18,000

• Expected Rainfall: Up to 16 inches (40 cm)

• Main Risks: Storm surge, high winds, torrential rain, floods, mudslides

Recommended Actions for Those in the Path

• Evacuate if you live in evacuation zones.

• Assemble emergency kits and supplies.

• Protect buildings with boarding and sandbags.

• Keep devices charged and stay informed through reliable media.

• Avoid flooded areas and downed power lines.

• Report damage and seek safe shelter when needed.

Conclusion

Hurricane Erick is rapidly evolving into a region‑shaking Category 4 storm, representing a major test for emergency preparedness and public resilience. With historic speed and ferocity, Erick is poised to bring serious hazards to Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. Authorities have responded proactively, and residents, armed with lessons from past storms, are taking no chances.