Hurricane Erick has intensified into a Category 4 storm as of June 19, 2025, with maximum sustained winds of 230 km/h. The storm is predicted to land between Puerto Escondido and Punta Maldonado, around 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Puerto Ángel. The area from Acapulco to Puerto Ángel is under a hurricane alert. Based on information from a hurricane hunter aircraft, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) declared Erick a significant hurricane.

Oaxaca and Guerrero could receive up to 20 inches (50 cm) throughout the storm, and steep terrain might see mudslides. Waves may reach as high as 6 meters (20 ft) along the coast. Authorities say Erick has the potential to become the strongest storm to hit Mexico this early in the Pacific hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

Evacuations, Flight Suspensions, and Emergency Shelters

Due to storm safety concerns, all flights were canceled on Thursday at Acapulco’s international airport. President Claudia Sheinbaum asked citizens who live in low-lying or flood-prone regions to stay home, follow official information, and move to shelters. In Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Chiapas, approximately 2,000 shelters have been set up.

According to Mexico’s civil protection department, Hurricane Erick is predicted to deliver devastating winds and potentially fatal flash floods. Over 18,000 first responders have been called into action to assist with emergency preparations and potential evacuations. Puerto Escondido, Puerto Ángel, and Punta Maldonado, all on the southern Pacific coast, are within the anticipated impact zone.

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Precautionary Measures and Historical Context

Companies in Acapulco were observed using wood panels to board up windows in anticipation of possible damage or looting. Local witnesses stated that significant rainfall arrived by dusk despite the weather remaining bright earlier in the day.

According to Laura Velazquez, the head of the civil protection office, rainfall might surpass 50 cm (20 inches) in certain regions. This is the first Pacific storm this season to make landfall near Mexico. Officials are drawing comparisons to Hurricane Otis in October 2023, which rapidly reached Category 5 status and killed at least 50 people in Guerrero. Both national and municipal authorities have issued urgent warnings due to Hurricane Erick’s rapid intensification.

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