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Hurricane Watch 2025: Eric Approaches Pacific Coast — Essential Preparations for Mexicans and Americans

Hurricane tracker 2025: Eric approaching Pacific Coast — Mexicans and Americans should have these items ready Hurricane Erick 2025: Powerful Storm Approaches Mexico’s Pacific Coast; Residents Advised to Stay Vigilant. As Hurricane Erick intensifies quickly while nearing Mexico’s Pacific shoreline, areas in southern Mexico face significant threats including floods, landslides, and strong gusts. According to an update from the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) released on Wednesday, Erick, which is now categorized as a Category 1 hurricane, has potential to escalate into a major hurricane—a Category 3 or above—by late Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning.

With maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph) and movement northwest at 8 mph (13 kph), Erick was last located about 130 miles (205 kilometers) south-southeast of Puerto Ángel, Mexico. Heavy rainfall is forecast across multiple states, raising fears of flooding, especially in mountainous areas. As of now, warnings are in place and preparations are underway in the coastal states of Oaxaca and Guerrero.

Right now, Hurricane Eric is moving northwest , and forecasts suggest it could become a Category 3 major hurricane before making landfall sometime on Thursday, June 19. The likely impact zone includes Puerto Ángel to Acapulco, according to Mexico’s CONAGUA weather agency. Heavy rains, winds, and storm surges are expected to affect coastal regions including Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Colima, and Jalisco.

Eric is also generating hazardous ocean swells and might lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides , particularly in hilly areas. Rainfall estimates range from 8 to 16 inches , and certain areas might receive more than this. 20 inches , making it extremely risky for people living near hillsides or riverbanks.

Mexico’s President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, Guerrero’s Governor Evelyn Salgado, and National Civil Protection Coordinator Laura Velázquez have all urged people to stay alert and follow evacuation instructions if asked to move.

Where is Hurricane Erick expected to go, and how powerful might it get?

The predicted trajectory of the hurricane indicates that its eye could pass close to Acapulco, a tourist destination that is still recuperating from Hurricane Otis back in 2023. That particular hurricane, classified as Category 5, caused significant damage in Acapulco last year, resulting in at least 52 fatalities and leaving another 32 individuals unaccounted for. Although Eric is presently categorized as only a Category 1, forecasts suggest it might strengthen quickly and potentially achieve maximum winds over 111 mph (180 km/h). This would classify it as a major hurricane.

Based on the most recent NHC bulletin, Erick might hit the southern Mexican coastline on Thursday. This storm is anticipated to have substantial effects in regions prone to vulnerability because of their rugged topography and inadequate facilities.

In which regions is Hurricane Erick's rain expected to cause the highest danger?

The imminent and severe hazard is anticipated to be rainfall. According to forecasters, as much as 20 inches (51 centimeters) of precipitation might occur in the regions of Oaxaca and Guerrero. Meanwhile, lesser yet still perilous quantities of rain could potentially extend to Chiapas, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco.

These zones feature numerous rivers and rugged topography, leading to an increased threat of landslides and sudden floods. The emergency response teams are now operating at elevated readiness levels, with the administration beginning to dispatch thousands of soldiers to these impacted locations.

What is the Mexican government doing to prepare for Erick?

Mexico’s head of national civil protection, Laura Velázquez, stated that emergency measures are entirely activated. In the state of Guerrero, Governor Evelyn Salgado disclosed that all educational institutions will stay shut down. Additionally, she verified the shutdown of Acapulco’s harbor and mentioned that 582 emergency centers have been established for families potentially requiring evacuation.

Fishing and tourism enterprises have likewise received warnings. Numerous operators have been counseled to either reinforce their vessels or relocate them away from ports to prevent a recurrence of the damage witnessed during Hurricane Otis, when several boats capsized as a result of delayed alerts.

What safety measures should inhabitants adopt as Hurricane Erick draws near?

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has declared a hurricane warning for areas ranging from Acapulco to Puerto Ángel, indicating that regions within this area will likely experience hurricane-force winds and hazardous conditions. People living in these locations are advised to remain inside, monitor updates from authorities, and assemble emergency supplies such as provisions, drinking water, medical necessities, torches, and crucial paperwork.

President Claudia Sheinbaum stressed in her morning address that residents should have confidence in governmental warnings and either remain indoors or go to designated shelters.

What emergency items should individuals have prepared?

For anyone living near the coast or in high-risk flood zones, it’s important to be ready before the storm hits Here’s what you should have readily available:

  • Clean drinking water : At least 9 liters total over 3 days for each person

  • Non-perishable food : Enough for each family member for at least 72 hours

  • Flashlights and extra batteries

  • Basic first aid kit and any essential medications

  • Important documents in waterproof bags

  • Fully charged mobile phones and power banks

  • Cash if ATMs are not working

  • Face masks and sanitizers , particularly for communal shelter areas

In Guerrero, officials have already opened 582 shelters, and more are on standby in surrounding states. Vehicles should be fueled and parked on higher ground, and homes should have windows secured with plywood or shutters to avoid breakage from strong winds.

Will Hurricane Eric affect the U.S., especially southern Texas?

Although Eric’s core may hit southern Mexico, parts of its outer areas and moisture might extend into South Texas towards the end of the week, as per the NHC. This situation has the potential to cause significant rainfall, localized floods, and hazardous rip tides along the Gulf Coast.

Americans living in or traveling to South Texas should:

  • Keep an eye on local weather alerts

  • Clear storm drains and gutters in advance

  • Avoid beach activities during high surf warnings

  • Have emergency supplies ready in case of flash floods

Despite the center of the storm not making landfall on U.S. soil, its extensive influence can still result in heavy rainfall in areas located hundreds of miles away.

How does Hurricane Erick measure up against earlier storms such as Otis?

The scenario surrounding Hurricane Erick is being likened to that of Hurricane Otis, which stunned residents in October 2023 when it rapidly intensified into a destructive force. Within less than a day, Otis escalated from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane, catching everyone unprepared. Given the resemblance in Erick’s development pattern, authorities and rescue teams are taking prompt action to prevent previous errors.

While Erick might not match Otis' power, its trajectory, velocity, and scheduling remain worrisome. The intense precipitation along with the potential for high tidal waves pose significant risks, particularly in regions near coastlines at lower elevations and in hilly settlements.

Hurricane Erick 2025 poses a serious threat to southern Mexico’s Pacific coast. With winds strengthening and heavy rain already starting in some areas, residents in affected regions—especially Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Chiapas—must act now. Stay informed, prepare your essentials, and follow official instructions. The time to get ready is not tomorrow, it’s now.

Why is Hurricane Eric breaking records at such an early stage of the hurricane season?

Hurricane Eric has set a new record as the earliest "E" named storm ever recorded in the Eastern Pacific. Additionally, if it strengthens more before making landfall, it could become the most powerful June hurricane to strike Mexico.

The typical period for the Pacific hurricane season spans from May 15 to November 30, however, this year appears to be showing above-average activity. Higher sea surface temperatures, potentially associated with El Niño conditions, may be aiding these storms in intensifying at a faster rate.

Based on the Reuters report, Eric has the potential to become the initial significant hurricane (Category 3 or above) of the 2025 Eastern Pacific hurricane season, which might indicate a challenging period for storms in the area coming up.

FAQs:

Q1: Where is Hurricane Erick anticipated to make landfall in 2025?

Hurricane Erick is heading toward Mexico’s Pacific coast, especially near Acapulco.

Q2: To what extent is Hurricane Erick expected to intensify?

It could potentially attain major hurricane strength with wind speeds exceeding 111 mph.

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