Hurricane Erick Slams Oaxaca as Category 3, Triggers Deadly Flood Risk

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Erick Makes Landfall with Dangerous Force

Hurricane Erick, the first major hurricane of the 2025 Eastern Pacific season, made landfall Thursday morning in western Oaxaca, Mexico, as a powerful Category 3 storm. The U.S. National Hurricane Center confirmed landfall just east of Punta Maldonado around 7:30 a.m. ET, with sustained winds near 125 mph.

Although downgraded from Category 4 shortly before impact, Erick retained dangerous strength and size. The hurricane was previously classified as an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 storm with winds reaching 140 mph after rapid intensification overnight. Tropical storm-force winds extended as far as 90 miles from the center, and hurricane-force winds stretched up to 25 miles.

Life-Threatening Floods and Mudslides Expected

The storm is forecast to produce between 8 and 12 inches of rainfall in the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, with isolated totals reaching up to 16 inches. According to the hurricane center, this could cause “life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.”

Additional rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is expected across Chiapas, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns that inland flooding and storm surge are historically the leading causes of death during hurricanes, not wind alone.

Storm Weakening But Threats Persist

As of late Thursday morning, Erick had weakened to a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. However, the hurricane center still warned of dangerous conditions, including:

• Storm surge and coastal flooding near and west of the storm’s center.

• Destructive waves along the coast.

• The possibility of tornadoes, rough surf, and rip currents.

"Continued rapid weakening is forecast, and Erick will likely dissipate tonight," the agency stated.

Warnings in Effect Across Affected Regions

A hurricane warning remains in place from Acapulco to Puerto Escondido. Tropical storm warnings are also active from west of Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana.

Acapulco, which suffered catastrophic damage during Hurricane Otis in October 2023, is once again in the path of a dangerous storm system. Otis intensified to a Category 5 within 24 hours, killing dozens. For many residents, the emotional trauma and physical destruction from Otis remain fresh.

"We are left with nothing," a woman said after Otis struck. "Everything is damaged."

Scale of Impact and Future Outlook

The Saffir-Simpson scale used to categorize hurricanes is based solely on wind strength, but officials continue to stress that water-related threats — particularly flooding and landslides — are more deadly and widespread.

Key government agencies and emergency responders are monitoring the situation. People in low-lying and mountainous regions are being urged to evacuate or take immediate safety measures.

The Eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30. Erick is the fifth named storm of the 2025 season, but its impact is already being compared to some of the deadliest storms in recent regional history. The Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1 and runs through November.