Hurricane Erick Makes Landfall in Southern Mexico as Category 3 Storm
Hurricane Erick, downgraded to a Category 3, struck southern Mexico early Thursday, making landfall in Oaxaca. It brought heavy winds and the potential for significant rain and storm surges. While Acapulco mostly avoided the worst, Puerto Escondido faces serious threats. Precautionary actions are underway as memories of past hurricanes haunt residents.
Hurricane Erick made landfall on Thursday morning in Mexico’s southern Oaxaca state, as a Category 3 storm. According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, the hurricane hit about 20 miles east of Punta Maldonado, with maximum sustained winds reaching 125 mph. Though it weakened from a Category 4 to a Category 3 before landfall, its impact is significant enough to warrant concern.
The hurricane navigated close to popular tourist destinations, threading the needle between Acapulco and Puerto Escondido, hitting a less populated area along the coast. This stretch is characterized by its agricultural fields and fishing communities. Despite it being downgraded, Erick still holds the potential to bring destructive winds, flash floods, and dangerous storm surges to the region.
Forecasts indicate that Erick is likely to weaken rapidly as it encounters the coastal mountains of southern Mexico, with expectations that it will dissipate by late Thursday or early Friday. The storm’s projected path had shifted southward overnight, raising anxieties for the nearby resort city of Puerto Escondido. Meanwhile, Acapulco managed to escape the brunt of Erik’s initial violent winds, at least for now.
On the ground, the situation was tense. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the suspension of activities in the region, urging residents to stay home or use shelters if residing in low-lying areas. As the day progressed, the ocean surged in Puerto Escondido, submerging beach areas and preparing for the storm’s onslaught. Late-night closures left stores shuttered as last-minute rushes to stock up on essentials ensued.
Recalling the devastation wrought by Hurricane Otis last year, many residents were cautious. Otis, a Category 5 hurricane, left Acapulco in shambles, killing dozens and ruining most resort hotels. Now, as they brace for Erick, memories of that storm loom large in the minds of residents. Authorities implemented movement restrictions across Acapulco and other coastal communities as a precaution, with schools also closed.
Individual stories reflected the anxiety gripping the community. Carlos Ozuna Romero, whose beachside restaurant was demolished by last year’s storm, coordinated preparations for possible destruction again. “Authorities’ warnings fill us with fear and obviously make us remember everything we’ve already been through,” he remarked. Meanwhile, Verónica Gómez, another resident of Acapulco, conveyed the cautious optimism after having learned from the previous storm’s devastation.
Emergency responders were mobilized early, with the National Guard and police maintaining a strong presence throughout the city. Truckloads of workers from the national power company rushed to clear drainage systems and debris before the storm struck. Forecasts predict that Erick will unleash torrential rains, strong winds, and life-threatening storm surges along Mexico’s Pacific coast, with the potential for up to 16 inches of rain in some regions.
Disaster officials issued warnings for flooding and mudslides, particularly in the steep terrain that dominates the area. As Acapulco’s port closed in advance of the storm, Governor Evelyn Salgado confirmed that preparations for over 580 shelters were in place across Guerrero for anyone needing evacuation. With the hurricane exhibiting an alarming ability to rapidly intensify, the community is bracing for what could be another harrowing event.
In summary, Hurricane Erick, initially a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Oaxaca, Mexico, as a Category 3 hurricane. While Acapulco seems to have largely escaped the worst of it, the impacts on Puerto Escondido and surrounding areas remain a serious concern. With memories of past storms fresh in residents’ minds, precautionary measures have been widely implemented. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the risk of flooding and mudslides continue to pose threats as officials seek to safeguard the vulnerable communities along the coast.
Original Source: spectrumlocalnews.com
