Tropical Storm Erick strengthened into a hurricane, according to the advisory issued by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 06:00 CST (12:00 UTC) on June 18. At the time, the system was located roughly 257 km (160 miles) south-southeast of Puerto Ángel and 443 km (275 miles) southeast of Punta Maldonado in Mexico.
Erick had maximum sustained winds reaching 120 km/h (75 mph) and was moving northwest at 11 km/h (7 mph). It had an estimated minimum central pressure of 991 hPa.
Hurricane-force winds extended around 24 km (15 miles) outward from the center, while tropical storm-force winds extended up to 113 km (70 miles).
Hurricane Erick is expected to strengthen rapidly on June 18, potentially reaching major hurricane strength before making landfall over the Mexican coast early on June 19. It is also forecast to experience a gradual increase in speed as it continues to move northwestward.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect from Acapulco to Puerto Ángel. Meanwhile, a Hurricane Watch is in effect from west of Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana, and from east of Puerto Ángel to Bahías de Huatulco. A Tropical Storm Warning is also in effect from east of Puerto Ángel to Salina Cruz.
Erick will produce rainfall totals of 200 to 400 mm (8 to 16 inches), with localized totals of up to 500 mm (20 inches), across Oaxaca and Guerrero. Rainfall totals of 75 to 125 mm (3 to 5 inches), with localized totals of up to 200 mm (8 inches), are expected across the Mexican states of Chiapas, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco.
Heavy rains are forecast to trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides in affected the regions, especially in areas of steep terrain.
A dangerous storm surge is expected to produce coastal flooding near and to the east of where the center crosses the coast, particularly in areas experiencing onshore winds. The surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.
Swells generated by Erick are expected to begin impacting the coast of southern Mexico later on June 18. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Source: watchers.news
