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Hurricane Erick

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This article is about the Pacific hurricane of 2025. For other storms of the same name, see List of storms named Erick.
Hurricane Erick
Erick at peak intensity nearing landfall in Oaxaca early on June 19
Meteorological history
FormedJune 17, 2025
Post-tropicalJune 20, 2025
DissipatedJune 21, 2025
Category 4 major hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds145 mph (230 km/h)
Lowest pressure939 mbar (hPa); 27.73 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities23
Injuries28
Missing2
Damage>$204 million (2025 USD)
Areas affectedCentral America, Southern Mexico
IBTrACS
Part of the 2025 Pacific hurricane season

Hurricane Erick was a powerful tropical cyclone that brought heavy rainfall to parts of southern and southwestern Mexico in June 2025. The fifth named storm, second hurricane, and first major hurricane of the 2025 Pacific hurricane season, Erick was the earliest fifth named storm on record in the Eastern Pacific basin and the earliest major hurricane to make landfall on either coast of Mexico (Pacific or Atlantic).

Erick originated from a weather disturbance associated with a tropical wave located south of Mexico on June 10. The system developed into a tropical storm on June 17 and was named Erick. As it turned northwestward, it entered a phase of rapid intensification. By early June 18, Erick had intensified into a hurricane and continued strengthening, reaching its peak as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 145 mph (230 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 939 mb (27.73 inHg). Erick made landfall in Oaxaca on the morning of June 19 with Category 3 sustained winds of 125 mph (200 km/h). Once inland, the hurricane rapidly weakened into a tropical storm. The complete collapse of convection on June 20 caused it to degenerate into a post-tropical cyclone, which dissipated the following day over the interior regions of Jalisco and Nayarit.

In anticipation of Erick, the government of Mexico issued hurricane warnings for parts of the coastal areas of Oaxaca and Guerrero, along with hurricane watches and tropical storm warnings. When the storm made landfall, it knocked out electricity and cellphone coverage for at least 30,000 people in Puerto Escondido. Erick brought heavy rain across Central America and Mexico, causing flash floods and mudslides that left at least 23 dead, 28 injured, and 2 missing. The total damage was estimated at $204 million.

Meteorological history

[edit]
Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On June 10, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) noted that an area of low pressure was expected to form several hundred miles off the coast of Central America over the next weekend.[1] A broad low-pressure area developed on the same day, producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms, with scattered activity and only gradual development anticipated.[2][3] At 21:00 UTC on June 16, the NHC designated it as Potential Tropical Cyclone Five-E due to its imminent threat to southern Mexico and began issuing advisories.[4] At this time, the disturbance was situated roughly 610 mi (980 km) southeast of Punta Maldonado, Guerrero.[5] The system soon acquired a well-defined circulation and developed into a tropical depression.[6]

Amid an environment conducive to strengthening, the system intensified into a tropical storm at 03:00 UTC on June 17 and was assigned the name Erick.[7] Concurrently, a weakening mid-level ridge allowed a mid-to upper-level trough to progress eastward across the central United States, causing Erick to move northwestward. The storm became increasingly organized, with deep convection expanding and cloud tops cooling to around −120 °F (−85 °C) near the developing inner-core structure.[8] Erick rapidly intensified into a hurricane around 12:00 UTC on June 18, about 160 mi (255 km) south-southeast of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca.[9][10] The hurricane moved into a region of more favorable conditions, with higher sea surface temperatures and weaker vertical wind shear.[11]

Erick intensifying south of Oaxaca on June 17

Rapid intensification continued, and based on data collected by an Air Force Reserve Unit Hurricane Hunter,[9] the NHC upgraded Erick to Category 2 strength a few hours later, as satellite imagery showed a more circular eye surrounded by cold cloud tops.[12] Following another Hurricane Hunter mission, the storm was upgraded to a major hurricane at 00:00 UTC on June 19.[13] After an earlier eyewall replacement cycle, satellite imagery showed deep convection wrapping around the eye.[14] As Erick approached the Mexican coast, it reached its peak intensity as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (230 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 939 mb (27.73 inHg) at 05:30 UTC that day.[15] Then, shortly before 12:00 UTC, Erick made landfall at Pinotepa Nacional in western Oaxaca, about 10 mi (16 km) east of Punta Maldonado, Guerrero, with sustained winds of 125 mph (200 km/h).[16][17] Once onshore, the hurricane rapidly weakened as its inner core began to collapse.[18] Moving northwestward over rugged terrain, the inner core continued to deteriorate, and the system's overall convective pattern became quite ragged. Consequently, Erick weakened to tropical storm strength by 21:00 UTC.[19] Later that same day, the storm weakened to a tropical depression, and with no organized convection and a poorly defined circulation, it degenerated into a post-tropical cyclone by 03:00 UTC on June 20, marking the cessation of it being a tropical cyclone.[20][21] The following day, Erick’s remnants moved northwestward and eventually dissipated across the interior regions of Jalisco and Nayarit.[22][23]

Records

[edit]
Further information: List of Pacific hurricane records

Erick is the earliest fifth named storm in the Eastern Pacific basin on record, surpassing the June 25 mark set by Hurricane Enrique in 2021.[24] Erick also became a hurricane on June 18, nearly one month earlier than the average formation date of the season's second hurricane – July 15.[9] Additionally, the system became the earliest major hurricane on record to make landfall on either coast of Mexico (Pacific or Atlantic); the previous Pacific coast record was set by Hurricane Kiko on August 26, 1989.[18][25] Meteorologists Jeff Masters and Bob Henson at Yale University described Erick as one of the fastest-intensifying hurricanes on record. In a 24-hour period, the hurricane’s maximum sustained winds increased by 80 mph (130 km/h).[26]

Preparations and impact

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Infographic of Hurricane Erick on June 18

On June 17, the government of Mexico issued hurricane warnings for parts of the coastal areas of Oaxaca and Guerrero, along with hurricane watches and tropical storm warnings.[27] Across the region, 2,000 shelters were opened for Erick.[28] Over 18,000 first responders were deployed across Guerrero and Oaxaca.[29]

As the storm rapidly intensified, residents were urged to stock up on food, water, and gasoline.[30] In Guerrero, 582 shelters were opened on the same day.[31] Classes for all grades in the state were cancelled on June 18 and 19.[32] Beaches in Acapulco were closed, and Acapulco's port administration ordered that no one remain in their boats during the storm.[33] Police patrolled the beaches to warn of Erick.[34] All flights out of Acapulco International Airport were cancelled for June 19.[29] Some classes in the lowlands of Chiapas were suspended for Erick.[35] Thirty-five municipalities of Oaxaca were ordered to open shelters.[36] Classes were closed in forty-three municipalities.[36] Flights were cancelled to Bahías de Huatulco International Airport.[36] The Mexican Navy mobilized 6,418 personnel to manage evacuations in Oaxaca.[37] The Navy also activated a preventive plan for Colima, Tabasco, and Campeche.[38]

GOES-19 imagery of Erick making landfall in western Oaxaca on June 19

Waves along Mexico's Pacific coast were 10 metres (33 ft) high.[39] In Oaxaca, Erick dropped heavy rainfall that produced mudslides that damaged several homes and schools, closed highways, and injured one person. Around 200 residents were evacuated due to flooding in Pinotepa Nacional. Street flooding stalled vehicles in Salina Cruz,[40][41] and at least 30,000 people in Puerto Escondido were left without electricity or cellphone coverage when Erick made landfall.[42] In total, 277,000 customers lost power.[43] Losses in Oaxaca reached Mex$2 billion (US$105 million). The government allocated Mex$18 billion (US$946 million) to address the damage caused by the storm.[44] In Guerrero, approximately 50 houses were damaged in Punta Maldonado.[45] In Ometepec, roofs were detached from homes and a building toppled onto a vehicle. Several communities in the municipality of Ometepec were isolated by landslides.[46] In Acapulco, trees and powerlines were downed. Telephone service and all electricity was knocked out for most residents. Erick's rainfall caused flooding and damage along highways and dirt roads.[47] The Las Nutrias and Los Perros Rivers overflowed, affecting thousands of houses in Juchitán de Zaragoza.[48] A child drowned in San Marcos, Guerrero, while a man was electrocuted in San Pedro Pochutla, Oaxaca, during debris removal following Erick's landfall.[49][50] Over 90 dogs lost during Erick in Puerto Escondido were brought into a shelter.[51] Losses in Acapulco reached Mex$1.878 billion (US$99 million).[52] As Erick approached the coast, 250 mm (9.84 in) of rain fell in both states.[53] Remnant moisture from Erick generated heavy rains over several Mexican states. In Michoacán and Veracruz, many roadways were flooded, damaging numerous vehicles. In Tamaulipas, crocodiles were sighted due to the rains. In San Luis Potosí, a man fell into the Tampaón River while another man was swept into a storm drain while riding a horse. The body of one of them was found, while the other remains missing.[54]

Heavy rains caused flooding, landslides and rockfalls across Honduras, killing two people in Santa Bárbara.[55][56] Eight departments were affected by flooding, which left several people missing.[57] A total of 5,500 people and 1,800 families were affected. 100 homes were damaged, with 26 of them being destroyed.[58] The Ulúa River overflowed, forcing the evacuation of at least 70 families in Yoro. One family reported agricultural losses of 30,000 lempiras (US$1,000).[59] As Erick approached Guatemala, it exacerbated heavy rainfall in the country, which resulted in 18 deaths, one missing and 27 injuries, with 5,053 people affected and 1,017 others displaced.[60] In El Salvador, as much as 70% of crops were damaged in El Paisnal due to the storm.[61]

See also

[edit]
  • Hurricane Bridget (1971) – a Category 2 hurricane that struck Acapulco
  • Hurricane Pauline (1997) – a Category 4 hurricane that heavily impacted Acapulco and resulted in over 300 deaths
  • Hurricane Carlotta (2012) – a Category 2 hurricane that made landfall near Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
  • Hurricane Agatha (2022) – a Category 2 hurricane that made landfall near Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca
  • Hurricane Otis (2023) – a Category 5 hurricane that explosively intensified before making landfall near Acapulco
  • Hurricane John (2024) – a Category 3 hurricane that rapidly intensified before making landfall twice in Guerrero

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Gibbs, Steven; Hagen, Andrew (June 10, 2025). Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Archived from the original on June 10, 2025. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
  2. ^ Berg, Robbie (June 10, 2025). Two-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Archived from the original on June 10, 2025. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
  3. ^ Kelly, Larry (June 11, 2025). Two-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Archived from the original on June 11, 2025. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
  4. ^ Bucci, Lisa; Mora, Cassandra; Cano, Will (June 16, 2025). Potential Tropical Cyclone Five-E Discussion Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  5. ^ Bucci, Lisa; Mora, Cassandra; Cano, Will (June 16, 2025). Potential Tropical Cyclone Five-E Advisory Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  6. ^ Cangialosi, John (June 16, 2025). Tropical Depression Five-E Discussion Number 2 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  7. ^ Pasch, Richard (June 17, 2025). Tropical Storm Erick Discussion Number 3 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  8. ^ Gibbs, Alex; Bucci, Lisa (June 17, 2025). Tropical Storm Erick Discussion Number 6 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  9. ^ a b c Masters, Jeff; Henson, Bob (June 18, 2025). "Hurricane Erick could make history with a powerful early season landfall in Mexico". New Haven, Connecticut: Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  10. ^ Hagen, Andrew (June 18, 2025). Hurricane Erick Intermediate Advisory Number 7A (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  11. ^ Hagen, Andrew (June 18, 2025). Hurricane Erick Discussion Number 8 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  12. ^ Hagen, Andrew (June 18, 2025). Hurricane Erick Discussion Number 9 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  13. ^ Beven, Jack (June 18, 2025). Hurricane Erick Intermediate Advisory Number 9A (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  14. ^ Pasch, Richard (June 19, 2025). Hurricane Erick Discussion Number 11 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  15. ^ Kelly, Larry (June 18, 2025). Hurricane Erick Tropical Cyclone Update (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  16. ^ Cangialosi, John (June 19, 2025). Hurricane Erick Intermediate Advisory Number 12A (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  17. ^ Pérez, Jorge A. (June 19, 2025). "'Erick' tocó tierra como huracán categoría 3 en Pinotepa Nacional, Oaxaca" ['Erick' made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in Pinotepa Nacional, Oaxaca]. La Jornada (in Spanish). Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  18. ^ a b Cangialosi, John (June 19, 2025). Hurricane Erick Discussion Number 13 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  19. ^ Cangialosi, John (June 19, 2025). Tropical Storm Erick Discussion Number 14 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  20. ^ Beven, Jack (June 19, 2025). Tropical Depression Erick Intermediate Advisory Number 14A (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  21. ^ Beven, Jack (June 19, 2025). Post-Tropical Cyclone Erick Discussion Number 15 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  22. ^ Tropical Weather Discussion for the eastern Pacific Ocean (Technical Discussion). June 20, 2025. Retrieved June 20, 2025.{{cite report}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  23. ^ Tropical Weather Discussion for the eastern Pacific Ocean (Technical Discussion). June 21, 2025. Retrieved June 21, 2025.{{cite report}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  24. ^ Livingston, Ian (June 18, 2025). "Hurricane Erick set to strike Mexico as an intense storm Thursday". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  25. ^ "Hurricane Erick makes landfall in Mexico as Category 3 storm". Straight Arrow News. June 19, 2025. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  26. ^ Masters, Jeff; Henson, Bob (June 19, 2025). "Hurricane Erick crashes into Mexico at category 3 strength". New Haven, Connnecticut: Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  27. ^ Bucci, Lisa; Mora, Cassandra (June 17, 2025). Tropical Storm Erick Advisory Number 4 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  28. ^ Yuhas, Alan; Cantú, Elda (June 18, 2025). "Hurricane Erick Nears Mexico's Southern Coast as Category 2 Storm". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  29. ^ a b Pelaez-fernandez, Aida; Oré, Diego (June 19, 2025). "Hurricane Erick strengthens to Category 3 off Mexico's Pacific Coast". Reuters. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  30. ^ "Mexico begins clean-up after hurricane Erick hits southern coast". BBC News. June 19, 2025. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  31. ^ "Tropical Storm Erick in the Pacific near southern Mexico is expected to become a hurricane". AP News. June 17, 2025. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  32. ^ Paramo, Arturo (June 18, 2025). "Suspenden clases en Guerrero por huracán Erick; tocará tierra este jueves". Excélsior (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  33. ^ Sánchez, Fabiola; Cruz, Luis Alberto (June 18, 2025). "Erick strengthens into a Category 3 major hurricane approaching Mexico's coast". AP News. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  34. ^ Ford, Matt (June 19, 2025). "Mexico: Hurricane Erick reaches category 3 as landfall nears". DW. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  35. ^ Romero, Gaspar (June 18, 2025). "Suspenden clases en Chiapas por el huracán 'Erick'". Excélsior (in Spanish). Archived from the original on June 18, 2025. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  36. ^ a b c Briseño, Patricia (June 18, 2025). "Oaxaca intensifica acciones preventivas huracán Erick". Excélsior (in Spanish). Archived from the original on June 19, 2025. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  37. ^ "Hurricane Erick gaining strength as it heads for Guerrero and Oaxaca coasts". Mexico News Daily. June 18, 2025. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  38. ^ Flores, Raúl; Méndez, Ernesto; Briseño, Patricia; Aguilar, Rolando; Mejía, Ximena (June 19, 2025). "Erick pega con furia a Oaxaca y Guerrero". Excélsior (in Spanish). Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  39. ^ "Hurricane Erick slams into Mexico's coast as Category 3 storm". Al Jazeera. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  40. ^ Diana Manzo; John Yoon; Nazaneen Ghaffar (June 19, 2025). "Hurricane Erick Moves Inland After Reaching Mexico as a Category 3 Storm". The New York Times. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  41. ^ ""Erick" se degrada a Tormenta Tropical; sigue aquí su trayectoria en vivo". El Universal (in Spanish). Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  42. ^ "Cleanup begins as Hurricane Erick moves on from Mexican coast - eNCA". www.enca.com. June 20, 2025. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  43. ^ Sanchez, Fabiola; Cruz, Luis Alberto (June 20, 2025). "Mexico assesses damage from Hurricane Erick as rising rivers leave infant dead". KSL.com. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  44. ^ "2 mmdp dejará de pérdida el huracán Erick - Diario de Xalapa | Noticias Locales, Policiacas, sobre México, Veracruz, y el Mundo". oem.com.mx (in Spanish). Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  45. ^ Andrés Garcia; Omar Martínez; Jacqueline Viedma; Cinithia Salvador (June 19, 2025). "Punta Maldonado, con viviendas afectadas" (in Spanish). Infobae. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  46. ^ Jorge Sandoval (June 19, 2025). "Huracán Erick causa severos daños en Ometepec" (in Spanish). Quadratin Guerrero. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  47. ^ "Huracán Erick deja severos daños en Cuajinicuilapa; no hay víctimas - El Sol de Acapulco | Noticias Locales, Policiacas, sobre México, Guerrero y el Mundo". oem.com.mx (in Spanish). Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  48. ^ Aguilar, Rolando; Briseño, Patricia (June 21, 2025). "Guerrero y Oaxaca levantan la cortina tras paso de 'Erick'; Huatulco abre bares y restaurantes". Excélsior (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  49. ^ "Two dead as Hurricane Erick moves on from Mexican coast". RTE. June 20, 2025.
  50. ^ "Erick deja dos muertos en Oaxaca y Guerrero" [Two dead in Oaxaca and Guerrero in the wake of Erick]. Proceso (in Spanish). June 20, 2025. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  51. ^ Zavala, Juan Carlos (June 21, 2025). "Asociación habilita albergue para rescatar a perritos y mascotas perdidas tras paso del huracán "Erick"; les proporcionan refugio seguro". El Universal (in Spanish). Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  52. ^ "Huracán Erick deja pérdidas por 1,878 millones de pesos en Acapulco". El Economista (in Spanish). June 19, 2025. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  53. ^ Caña, Alan (June 19, 2025). "Huracán Erick mantendrá lluvias intensas tras su entrada a territorio mexicano". bigfish.mx. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  54. ^ Reyna, Por Aura (June 22, 2025). "Muertes, cortes de energía y comunidades aisladas: los estragos que dejó el huracán Erick". infobae (in European Spanish). Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  55. ^ "Copeco confirma una muerte por lluvias en Santa Bárbara; inundaciones y evacuaciones en zona norte". Proceso Digital (in Spanish). June 17, 2025. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  56. ^ cronologia/-/meta/redaccion. "Dos muertos por crecida del río Ulúa en Santa Bárbara". www.elheraldo.hn (in Spanish). Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  57. ^ "Las lluvias dejan un muerto y más de 120 familias afectadas, según Copeco". Contexto (in Spanish). June 18, 2025. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  58. ^ Rodriguez-Baz, Eduardo (June 22, 2025). "Intensas lluvias dejan estela de daños materiales en Honduras - Noticias Prensa Latina" (in Spanish). Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  59. ^ Rodríguez, Tesla (June 19, 2025). ""Perdimos todo": familias evacuadas y daños en cultivos deja crecida del río Ulúa". Tiempo.hn | Noticias de última hora y sucesos de Honduras. Deportes, Ciencia y Entretenimiento en general. (in Spanish). Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  60. ^ Naya, Zeus (June 20, 2025). "Guatemala atendió 27 emergencias derivadas del huracán Erick - Noticias Prensa Latina" (in Spanish). Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  61. ^ Karla Alfaro (June 19, 2025). "Hasta 70% de pérdidas en hortalizas por lluvias en El Paisnal, San Salvador" (in Spanish). El Economista. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
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