Hurricane Erick Intensifies to Category 4 Near Mexico’s Coast

OAXACA, Mexico — Hurricane Erick has intensified to a Category 4 storm as it approaches the coasts of Oaxaca, with an expected landfall between Punta Maldonado, Guerrero, and Lagunas de Chacahua, officials reported on Tuesday.

The Mexican Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources and the National Meteorological Service confirmed that Erick boasts sustained winds of 230 kilometers per hour (143 mph) and gusts reaching up to 275 km/h (171 mph). The storm is moving northwest at 15 km/h (9 mph).

As a result, the storm’s outer bands are generating extraordinary rainfall with totals exceeding 250 millimeters (about 10 inches) in Oaxaca. Guerrero and Chiapas are also anticipating torrential rains ranging from 150 to 250 millimeters, as well as wind gusts exceeding 250 km/h (155 mph) and dangerous waves of 7 to 9 meters (23 to 30 feet) along the coasts.

In Chiapas, conditions are severe with wind gusts between 100 to 120 km/h (62 to 75 mph), waves measuring 4 to 5 meters, and storm surges of up to 2.5 meters in Oaxaca. Authorities warn of potential waterspouts that could form along the coastline.

The National Meteorological Service, in coordination with the U.S. National Hurricane Center, has issued various watches and warnings. It forecasts possible rain totals of up to 400 mm (approximately 16 inches), raising concerns of flash floods and landslides, particularly in areas with steep terrain.

The coastlines of Guerrero and Chiapas are bracing for 5.0 to 6.0-meter waves, while Oaxaca could experience storm surges of 2 to 2.5 meters, conditions likely to worsen later in the afternoon.

In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged residents in coastal Guerrero and Oaxaca to stay alert for official communications, seek shelter, and move to safe locations if they live in low-lying areas or near rivers.

Hurricane Erick is anticipated to make landfall as a major hurricane Thursday morning, between Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, and Punta Maldonado, Guerrero. After reaching Category 4 status, Erick has become the strongest hurricane on record in Mexico for the month of June.

The National Civil Protection Coordination has issued hurricane alerts for both Guerrero and Oaxaca as Erick approaches the border between the two states.