Hurricane Erick is expected to make landfall on Mexico’s Pacific coast early today, bringing winds of up to 121mph and heavy rainfall.
The hurricane has intensified into a Category 4 storm, which forecasters say poses a ‘potentially destructive’ threat.
The US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) has warned the storm could strengthen further before hitting Mexico, making it the most powerful hurricane to make landfall on the country’s Pacific coast this early in the season.
The NHC has forecast up to 41cms of rain in Oaxaca and Guerrero, potentially causing flash floods and landslides.
Erick’s projected path will see it make landfall between Oaxacan resort and Acapulco, where the port has been closed ahead of the storm’s arrival.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged residents in the region to stay at home or move to one of the 582 shelters that have been set up.
The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice with the following message: “Hurricane Erick is intensifying and forecast to become a major hurricane, when it makes landfall in western Oaxaca or eastern Guerrero on Thursday 19 June. It is expected to bring damaging winds and life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, particularly in areas of steep terrain.
“You should closely monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including any evacuation orders.”
Mexico’s most popular beach resorts, including Cancun and Playa del Carmen, lie on the Caribbean coast.
