Hurricane Erick intensifies to category 4 with dangerous landfall expected
NEW YORK, Wednesday, June 18, 2025 (10:24 PM ET) – Hurricane Erick, which originated as a tropical cyclone off the southern Pacific coast of Mexico, has intensified significantly over the past 24 hours. As of tonight, the storm has reached category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, and is now considered the most powerful system of the 2025 hurricane season so far.
According to the latest updates from Conagua and the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Erick is located about 125 miles (200 km) southeast of Punta Maldonado, Guerrero, with maximum sustained winds of 127 mph (205 km/h) and gusts reaching 155 mph (250 km/h). The storm continues to move northwest at approximately 9 mph (15 km/h). Its eye is estimated at 17 miles (28 km) in diameter, a clear sign of its structural maturity and potential for devastating impact.
Guerrero and Oaxaca on red alert
Guerrero has officially entered red alert status, as declared by Governor Evelyn Salgado Pineda and Civil Protection director Roberto Arroyo Matus, signaling maximum risk. The storm is expected to make landfall between Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, and Punta Maldonado, Guerrero, between 4:00 and 6:00 AM local time on Thursday, June 19.
Widespread shutdowns and emergency protocols
Public transportation has been suspended in key municipalities such as Acapulco, Marquelia, and Coyuca de Benítez, effective from 8:00 PM local time, with only emergency vehicles permitted on the roads. The airport in Acapulco has been closed, and all Volaris and Viva Aerobus flights to Acapulco, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco for Thursday, June 19, have been cancelled.
In Puebla, over 70 school districts in the Sierra Norte and Valle Serdán will suspend classes due to risks of landslides, rising rivers, and road blockages. In Colima, despite the storm’s distance, authorities are monitoring potential heavy rain, gusts of 25 to 40 mph (40 to 60 km/h), and wave heights of up to 8.2 feet (2.5 meters).
Storm surge and dangerous rainfall outlook
Extraordinary rainfall above 9.8 inches (250 mm) is expected in Oaxaca, torrential rains from 5.9 to 9.8 inches (150 to 250 mm) in Guerrero and Chiapas, and damaging winds of 75 to 87 mph (120 to 140 km/h) across the southern coast. Wave heights could reach 19.7 feet (6 meters) in Oaxaca and Guerrero, creating the threat of life-threatening storm surges.
Emergency communications and internet access established
In response to power outages already beginning in the Costa Chica region, the municipality of Marquelia has activated a satellite internet antenna at the Emergency Command Center for public use, ensuring residents can stay in contact with families and receive verified updates.
Presidential oversight and national mobilization
President Claudia Sheinbaum has activated the DN-III-E military emergency plan and the Plan Marina, ensuring joint coordination between federal, state, and municipal agencies. In a statement, she urged residents of coastal Oaxaca and Guerrero to remain calm, stay indoors, and rely solely on official communication channels for guidance.
Conagua and SMN forecast potential category 5 escalation
Meteorological experts at Conagua and the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN) have warned that Erick could strengthen further, possibly reaching category 5 before landfall, due to favorable oceanic and atmospheric conditions. The forecast continues to monitor the storm’s interaction with warm Pacific waters and low wind shear in the region.
Transport services halted across affected areas
All public and private transportation services have been halted across the southern coast of Guerrero, including taxi, van, and bus lines. In Puerto Escondido and the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxacan civil protection authorities have urged residents in flood-prone and low-lying areas to evacuate immediately, warning that delays could be fatal due to the projected rainfall and storm surge.
Severe infrastructure risk for tourism industry
More than 250 beachside businesses have closed between Salina Cruz and Huatulco in Oaxaca, fearing structural damage and threats to employee safety. Local business owners were advised to take these steps by Port Authority officials, and they have been cooperating to protect lives and assets.
As of the most recent update, Hurricane Erick continues its rapid intensification and is expected to bring potentially catastrophic damage to parts of southern Mexico overnight and into Thursday morning, affecting millions across Guerrero, Oaxaca, Puebla, Chiapas, and beyond.
