Stormy Skies Ahead for Mexico's Pacific Coast

Hurricane Erick has quickly grown into a powerful Category 3 storm. It is heading towards the southern coast of Mexico. This storm is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous flooding. The storm is moving northwest at a speed of 9 miles per hour. It is currently about 55 miles southwest of Puerto Angel and 125 miles southeast of Punta Maldonado. The storm is expected to make landfall sometime on Thursday morning. The region is bracing for potential devastation. The storm's path is projected to take it near Acapulco. This city was severely damaged by Hurricane Otis in October 2023. Otis was a Category 5 hurricane that caught many by surprise. It resulted in at least 52 deaths and 32 missing persons. The storm severely damaged almost all of the resort's hotels. In Acapulco, preparations are underway. There is a strong presence of National Guard and police. Crews are working to clear drainage canals and brush. Some beaches have already been closed, but tourists can still be seen sunbathing on others. The port administration has ordered that no one ride out the storm aboard their boats. This is a change from previous storms, where boats in the harbor were considered safe. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and a fierce storm surge. Rains of up to 16 inches could fall across the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guerrero. Lesser totals are expected in Chiapas, Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco. The rainfall threatens flooding and mudslides, especially in areas with steep terrain. The mountainous region along the coast is particularly prone to mudslides. There are numerous rivers that could overflow their banks. Down the coast in Puerto Escondido, fishermen are pulling their boats out of the water. Even though the wind has not yet picked up, red flags are up to warn people to stay out of the water. Some surfers are ignoring the warnings and continuing to ride waves. The national civil defense coordinator has warned of torrential rains in Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. All schools have been closed, and 582 shelters are prepared to receive evacuees. The president has urged residents to heed government instructions and wait out the storm in their homes or government shelters.