Hurricane Erick Strengthens to Category 4, Threatening Southern Mexico

Hurricane Erick has intensified into an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm, according to US forecasters. The hurricane is closely approaching Mexico’s southern coast, presenting a serious threat with destructive winds, flash floods, and a perilous storm surge anticipated in the coming hours.

On Wednesday evening, Erick quickly escalated from a Category 1 to a Category 3 hurricane. By nighttime, the storm boasted maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (200 kph) as it swirled offshore, roughly 55 miles (85 kilometers) southwest of Puerto Angel, reported the U.S. National Hurricane Center based in Miami.

The hurricane was also located approximately 125 miles (200 kilometers) southeast of Punta Maldonado, advancing northwest at 9 mph (15 kph), with expected landfall scheduled for Thursday morning, according to the center’s latest update. With Category 3 being defined as a major hurricane, having wind speeds of at least 111 mph (180 kph), forecasters warned of further strengthening and potentially devastating wind damage near the storm’s eye when it hits land.