Category 4 Hurricane Erick Nears Mexico’s Coast, Triggers Emergency Alerts

Hurricane Erick strengthened into a powerful Category 4 storm on Wednesday, posing a serious threat to Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, particularly the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Erick was packing maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h (121 mph) as it moved within 90 kilometers (56 miles) of Puerto Angel. The storm is projected to make landfall early Thursday.

The NHC warned that Erick could unleash as much as 41 centimeters of rain in some areas, sparking fears of life-threatening flash floods and landslides.

“This rainfall will lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain,” the agency said in its advisory.

In preparation, Mexican authorities have activated more than 500 emergency shelters and deployed over 18,000 first responders across the two affected states.

President Claudia Sheinbaum called on residents to “stay indoors, follow official instructions, and avoid unnecessary movement.”

In Guerrero, Governor Evelyn Salgado ordered the suspension of classes and public transportation in Acapulco and other coastal towns as the storm neared.

Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as Hurricane Erick advances toward land.