TNW News Operations Hurricane Division – Springfield, Illinois
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 | 1:00 PM CST
Written by: Todd Nardone, General Manager and Chief of Hurricane Operations

Hurricane Erick Rapidly Strengthening Near Mexico’s Southern Coast

Now a Category 2 Hurricane with Major Hurricane Status Likely Before Landfall

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Hurricane Erick is undergoing rapid intensification in the Eastern Pacific and is now a strong Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 100 mph (160 km/h), located approximately 100 miles (160 km) south-southeast of Puerto Angel, Mexico, according to the latest updates from the TNW News Operations Hurricane Division.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has forecast Erick to strengthen further into a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) as it approaches the Mexican coast late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.

Evacuation Orders and Preparations

A Hurricane Warning remains in effect from Puerto Angel to Acapulco, and all residents along the southern coast of Oaxaca and Guerrero should have hurricane preparedness plans finalized. Areas of steep terrain are especially vulnerable to life-threatening mudslides due to expected heavy rainfall.

Residents in the evacuation zones should follow instructions from Mexican emergency officials, including both mandatory and voluntary evacuation advisories.

“Hurricane Erick is a fast-developing storm with serious potential impacts. All communities near the forecast path should stay alert and take shelter as advised,” said Todd Nardone, TNW News Hurricane Division Chief.

Key Impacts Forecast

• Wind: Sustained winds of 100 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles (25 km) from the center.
• Rainfall: Totals of 8 to 16 inches, with isolated amounts reaching 20 inches, are expected across Oaxaca, Guerrero, and parts of southern Chiapas. Inland flooding and mudslides are a major concern.
• Storm Surge: Coastal areas may see life-threatening storm surge flooding, especially near landfall zones where onshore winds dominate.
• Surf and Rip Currents: Dangerous swells will affect a wide swath of Mexico’s southern coast beginning today.

Rapid Intensification Explained

Rapid intensification is defined as an increase in sustained wind speeds by 35 mph or more in 24 hours. Erick’s central pressure is falling quickly, with visible signs of strengthening on satellite imagery and increasing storm organization.

Next Update and Preparedness Resources

• The next full advisory from the TNW News Hurricane Operations Center will be issued by 6:00 PM CST.
• TNW’s First ALERT Hurricane Cone has been expanded 5 inches wider than standard to reflect real-time risk and evacuation zones.
• A new Category 2 wind cone graphic with evacuation routes overlaid is now available on TNWWeather.comand across all TNW social media platforms.

En Español

Erick se fortalece rápidamente y se espera que se convierta en huracán mayor

El huracán Erick se intensifica rápidamente y se encuentra a 160 kilómetros al sureste de Puerto Ángel, México. El Centro Nacional de Huracanes predice que Erick podría convertirse en huracán mayor esta noche o mañana por la mañana.

Se ha emitido una advertencia de huracán desde Puerto Ángel hasta Acapulco. Las autoridades mexicanas han emitido órdenes de evacuación en zonas vulnerables. Se esperan inundaciones repentinas, deslizamientos de tierra y oleaje peligroso a lo largo de la costa sur de México.

Siga las actualizaciones oficiales en TNWWeather.com y redes sociales de TNW News.

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