Category 3 Hurricane Erick Hits Oaxaca, Threatens Life-Threatening Flooding Mexico

Hurricane Erick made landfall as a powerful Category 3 storm in western Oaxaca, Mexico, with sustained winds reaching 125 mph, marking an unprecedented early major hurricane event in the Eastern Pacific. The storm rapidly intensified from a tropical storm to Category 4 before slightly weakening to Category 3 at landfall, impacting over two million people across Oaxaca and Guerrero states. Erick is causing life-threatening storm surge, heavy rainfall leading to flooding and mudslides, particularly in mountainous and coastal areas, with forecasted rainfall up to 16 inches and a storm surge of six to ten feet in some coastal zones. Authorities, including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, have urged residents to stay indoors, suspend activities, and seek shelter in vulnerable areas. Despite moving inland and expected to weaken rapidly, Erick continues to pose severe risks due to destructive winds, flash floods, and dangerous coastal flooding. The hurricane warnings extend across a broad region, including major resort areas like Acapulco, which experienced ominous weather but largely avoided the worst of the storm's force.