Hurricane Erick Makes Landfall in Southern Mexico as a Category 3 Storm
Hurricane Erick, originally a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Oaxaca as a Category 3. The storm is expected to weaken as it moves inland, but severe weather concerns remain, particularly in Acapulco and the surrounding areas. Emergency actions have been implemented, including shelter preparations and warnings to residents. The impact of past hurricanes, particularly Hurricane Otis, continues to shape community responses.
Hurricane Erick struck Mexico’s southern state of Oaxaca early Thursday, as reported by the National Hurricane Center. Initially a Category 4 storm, its intensity was downgraded to a Category 3 with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph as it made landfall approximately 20 miles east of Punta Maldonado. Moving northwest at 9 mph, the storm has raised concerns due to its location between popular tourist resorts Acapulco and Puerto Escondido.
Despite losing some strength before landfall, Erick is still a major hurricane, capable of generating winds that can cause significant destruction. The hurricane is expected to weaken as it meets the coastal mountains of southern Mexico, with predictions suggesting it could dissipate late Thursday or early Friday. Forecasters warn of flash floods, dangerous storm surges, and the potential for severe wind damage near the area where the eye hits land.
Residents of Acapulco woke to foreboding skies but at that point remained dry, with relatively calm waters at the beach. However, the storm’s path is anticipated to move northwest inland, resulting in heavy rainfall for both the resort and nearby mountains. Fortunately, Acapulco may have escaped the brunt of Erick’s powerful winds.
Late Wednesday, the storm’s trajectory shifted further south, placing Puerto Escondido directly in its path. In light of the impending threat, President Claudia Sheinbaum took to social media to announce a suspension of all activities in the region, urging residents, especially those in low-lying areas, to either remain indoors or seek shelter.
As night fell, waves began to inundate Puerto Escondido’s esplanade, overwhelming fishing vessels that had been secured on shore. Many locals hurried to stock up on essentials before night descended. In contrast, some surfers took to the Zicatela beach despite red warning flags. The memories of Hurricane Otis, which ravaged Acapulco last year, weighed heavily on the minds of many residents.
The intense preparations stem not only from caution but also from past experiences, as Hurricane Otis wreaked havoc just months earlier, leading to the loss of at least 52 lives. Guerrero state’s Governor, Evelyn Salgado, announced a curfew for movement starting Wednesday evening while schools in the state were ordered closed for an additional day.
Businesses fortified their properties against the storm by boarding windows and filling sandbags outside. Carlos Ozuna Romero, owner of a restaurant destroyed during Otis, was seen securing his establishment again as storm warnings brought back memories of past fears. “Authorities’ warnings fill us with fear and obviously make us remember everything we’ve already been through,” he noted.
Others prepared in various ways, like Verónica Gómez, who carried a heavy jug of water through the streets of Acapulco, stating, “We’re all afraid because we think the same thing could happen,” but added confidence that they have learned from the past.
The presence of law enforcement increased throughout Acapulco, as crews from the power companies worked to clear drainage systems in anticipation of significant rainfall. Rainfall estimations for areas in Oaxaca and Guerrero could reach up to 16 inches, raising alarms for potential flooding and mudslides, especially in mountainous regions.
Laura Velázquez, Mexico’s national civil defense coordinator, confirmed that torrential rains were expected in several states, including Guerrero and Oaxaca. Acapulco’s port was closed as a precaution on Tuesday, with shelters prepared throughout Guerrero for evacuees. The hurricane’s rapid intensification, having doubled in strength within a day, resulted in heightened worries, as this unpredictability complicates forecasting and raises preparedness challenges.
In conclusion, Hurricane Erick struck southern Mexico, particularly impacting the state of Oaxaca, with downgraded but still significant force. While Acapulco appears to have avoided the worst of the storm, local officials remain vigilant, recalling the devastation from Hurricane Otis. Emergency measures are in place, with shelters prepared and law enforcement present to ensure the safety of communities as heavy rains and potential flooding threaten the region. The aftermath of Hurricane Otis continues to inform the region’s response to this new storm, highlighting the importance of preparedness amidst the ever-evolving threat of hurricanes.
Original Source: spectrumlocalnews.com
