Hurricane Erick: Path, Forecast & Mexico Impact
- Hurricane Erick, the Eastern Pacific's fifth named storm, is gaining strength as it moves toward Mexico.
- As of Wednesday afternoon, Erick had strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane, packing sustained winds near 100 mph with even higher gusts.
- The storm's center is projected to approach the southern Mexican coast Wednesday night and move inland on Thursday.
Hurricane Erick is rapidly gaining strength and is forecasted to become a major hurricane, posing a meaningful threat to southern Mexico, including areas previously impacted by Hurricane Otis. This developing weather event brings the potential for devastating wind damage, flooding, and dangerous mudslides, especially in the regions of Oaxaca and Guerrero. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings, urging residents to take immediate precautions as the storm’s anticipated path includes Acapulco. Stay informed with News Directory 3 for the latest updates as Hurricane Erick intensifies. Discover what’s next in the storm’s trajectory.
Hurricane Erick Intensifies, Threatening Southern Mexico with Major Impact
Updated June 18, 2025
Hurricane Erick, the Eastern Pacific’s fifth named storm, is gaining strength as it moves toward Mexico. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that Erick is expected to rapidly intensify and become a major hurricane as it approaches southern Mexico on Thursday.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Erick had strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane, packing sustained winds near 100 mph with even higher gusts. Hurricane-force winds extend 15 miles from the center, while tropical storm-force winds reach up to 105 miles.
The storm’s center is projected to approach the southern Mexican coast Wednesday night and move inland on Thursday. This has prompted a hurricane warning from Acapulco to Puerto Angel, and a hurricane watch west of Acapulco to Texpan de Galeana.
Tropical storm warnings are also in effect from Puerto Angel eastward to Salina Cruz and westward from Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana.
The NHC cautioned that Erick is forecast to reach major hurricane status before making landfall. A Category 3 hurricane, the threshold for “major” status on the Saffir-simpson Wind Scale, brings winds between 111 mph and 129 mph, capable of causing “devastating damage,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Management (NOAA).
NOAA notes that Category 3 hurricanes can cause important damage to well-built homes, including roof and gable end failure. Numerous trees will likely be uprooted or snapped,blocking roads,and electricity and water could be unavailable for days or weeks.
the National Hurricane Center warned of possible “devastating wind damage where the core of the storm moves onshore.”
“Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion,” the NHC urged.
While Categories 4 and 5 can cause “catastrophic damage,” the Saffir-Simpson scale only accounts for wind. NOAA emphasizes that storm surge and inland flooding have historically been the leading causes of hurricane-related fatalities. Hurricanes can also bring strong winds, tornadoes, rough surf, and rip currents.
Erick is expected to produce 8 to 16 inches of rain, with isolated maximum totals of 20 inches, across the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guerrero. The NHC warns this will lead to “life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.” Chiapas, Michoacan, Colima, Jalisco, and Mexico City are forecast to receive 2 to 4 inches of rain.
Hazardous storm surge, a rise in sea level during the storm, is also anticipated, creating coastal flooding accompanied by “large and destructive waves.”
Erick’s projected path includes Acapulco, which was devastated by Hurricane Otis in October 2023. Otis struck as a Category 5 hurricane, leaving dozens dead after it’s wind speeds increased by 115 mph in a single day, the second-fastest rate ever recorded, according to the NHC.
What’s next
Residents in the affected areas are urged to monitor the storm’s progress, heed warnings from local officials, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property as Hurricane Erick approaches.