As of late Wednesday evening, Erick had developed into a major hurricane — the first of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season. Accordingly, tropical storm watches and warnings were issued for regions bordering Mexico’s Pacific coastline. By nightfall, the storm had picked up maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (200 kph). At the time, it was about 55 miles (85 kilometers) southwest of Puerto Angel and 125 miles (200 kilometers) southeast of Punta Maldonado. The hurricane was moving northwest at 9 mph (15 kph), with landfall predicted sometime Thursday morning.
A hurricane warning has been issued from Acapulco to Puerto Ángel. Local governments are preparing to respond to the storm’s destruction. Within less than a day, Erick more than doubled in intensity, thanks in part to a near-perfect environment for rapid intensification. Meteorologists are anticipating heavy flooding rains in a wide area as the storm approaches. They’re predicting as much as 16 inches (40 cm) in Oaxaca and Guerrero, with Chiapas, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco receiving significant amounts as well.
Anticipated Impact of Hurricane Erick
Hurricane Erick coming up on the coast. It is now scheduled to dump unprecedented rainfall throughout the states of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. The combination of heavy rain, strong winds, and a fierce storm surge poses significant risks to residents in these regions.
The Mexican government is proceeding with the utmost caution to protect the safety of Mexican citizens. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged those in the path of the storm to heed government instructions and either shelter in place or relocate to designated safe spaces.
“We’re taking precautions because with Otis we never expected one of that magnitude to come and now with climate change the water is warmer and the hurricanes are more powerful.” – Adrián Acevedo Durantes
Local authorities are implementing school closures. Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado ordered all schools to stay shut on Wednesday as a precaution. She encouraged commercial fishing and tourism operators to make plans to remove boats from harm’s way ahead of storm impacts. It’s just as important to prepare for future weather, too.
Preparedness and Community Response
Communities along the Pacific coast are mobilizing resources to prepare for Hurricane Erick. Community members need to be prepared and have the right supplies on hand. Beyond that, they have to protect their properties from future flooding and windstorm damage.
Inspired by Governor Salgado’s gratitude, there was a quick response, with thousands of new citizens—all new U.S.
“With Otis it was calm all day, sunny, then at midnight there were two hours of strong winds and we saw what had happened the next day.” – Adrián Acevedo Durantes
This last quote indicates increased sensitivity among local residents after reporting experiencing or suffering the negative impacts of severe weather events. The local community at this point is sharper than ever when it comes to recognizing the always unpredictable nature of storms such as Erick.
Monitoring the Storm’s Path
Meteorologists are still keeping a careful eye on Hurricane Erick’s pathway as it heads toward the coast. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has provided constant updates as the storm has developed and shown where the storm is likely to make landfall.
At press time, predictions show Erick weakening somewhat as it approaches landfall. It is still a powerful threat. Municipal governments are shoring up their communications capabilities to ensure the public is receiving the latest in any change in the forecast or emergency response.
