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Hurricane Erick (2025)

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Hurricane Erick
Erick at peak intensity nearing landfall in Oaxaca early on June 19
Meteorological history
FormedJune 17, 2025
DissipatedJune 20, 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
Fatalities18
Injuries27
Missing3
Areas affectedHonduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, 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 in the year fifth named storm on record in the Eastern Pacific basin and the earliest in the year major hurricane to make landfall on either coast of Mexico (Pacific or Atlantic).

Erick originated from a weather disturbance 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 quickly weakened to a tropical storm. The complete collapse of convection on June 20 marked its degeneration into a post-tropical cyclone. Erick brought heavy rain to much of Central America and Mexico, causing flash floods and mudslides that left at least 18 dead, 27 injured, and 3 missing.

Meteorological history

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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, 2025, 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]

Preparations and impact

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Mexico

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GOES imagry of Erick making landfall in western Oaxaca on June 19

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.[22] Across the region, 2,000 shelters were opened for Erick.[23] Over 18,000 first responders were deployed across Guerrero and Oaxaca.[24]

As the storm rapidly intensified, residents were urged to stock up on food, water, and gasoline.[25] In Guerrero, 582 shelters were opened on the same day.[26] Classes for all grades in the state were cancelled on June 18 and 19.[27] Beaches in Acapulco were closed, and Acapulco's port administration ordered that no one remain in their boats during the storm.[28] Police patrolled the beaches to warn of Erick.[29] All flights out of Acapulco International Airport were cancelled for June 19.[24] Some classes in the lowlands of Chiapas were suspended for Erick.[30] Thirty-five municipalities of Oaxaca were ordered to open shelters.[31] Classes were closed in forty-three municipalities.[31] Flights were cancelled to Bahías de Huatulco International Airport.[31] The Mexican Navy mobilized 6,418 personnel to manage evacuations in Oaxaca.[32] The Navy also activated a preventive plan for Colima, Tabasco, and Campeche.[33]

Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) daily situation map for Mexico on June 18

Waves along the coast of Mexico were 10 metres (33 ft) high.[34] 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.[35][36] In Guerrero, approximately 50 houses were damaged in Punta Maldonado.[37] 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.[38] 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.[39] A one-year-old boy drowned in San Marcos, Guerrero after slipping from his mother’s arms while she tried to cross a swollen river.[40]

Central America

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Heavy rains caused flooding, landslides and rockfalls across Honduras, killing one person in Santa Bárbara.[41] Eight departments were affected by flooding, which left several people missing, destroyed five homes and damaged 31 more.[42] As Erick approached Guatemala, it exacerbated heavy rainfall in the country, which resulted in 16 deaths, three missing and 26 injuries, with 4,752 people affected and 956 others displaced.[43] In El Salvador, as much as 70% of crops were damaged in El Paisnal due to the storm.[44]

Records

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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.[45] 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][46] Prior to Erick, no major hurricane had ever made landfall on Mexico's Pacific coast earlier in the season than August. 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).[47]

See also

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  • 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

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  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. ^ Bucci, Lisa; Mora, Cassandra (June 17, 2025). Tropical Storm Erick Advisory Number 4 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  23. ^ 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.
  24. ^ 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.
  25. ^ "Mexico begins clean-up after hurricane Erick hits southern coast". BBC News. June 19, 2025. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  26. ^ "Tropical Storm Erick in the Pacific near southern Mexico is expected to become a hurricane". AP News. June 17, 2025. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  27. ^ Paramo, Arturo (June 18, 2025). "Suspenden clases en Guerrero por huracán Erick; tocará tierra este jueves". Excélsior (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  28. ^ 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.
  29. ^ Ford, Matt (June 19, 2025). "Mexico: Hurricane Erick reaches category 3 as landfall nears". DW. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  30. ^ 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.
  31. ^ 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.
  32. ^ "Hurricane Erick gaining strength as it heads for Guerrero and Oaxaca coasts". Mexico News Daily. June 18, 2025. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  33. ^ 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.
  34. ^ "Hurricane Erick slams into Mexico's coast as Category 3 storm". Al Jazeera. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  35. ^ 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.
  36. ^ ""Erick" se degrada a Tormenta Tropical; sigue aquí su trayectoria en vivo". El Universal (in Spanish). Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  37. ^ Andrés Garcia; Omar Martínez; Jacqueline Viedma; Cinithia Salvador (June 19, 2025). "Punta Maldonado, con viviendas afectadas" (in Spanish). Infobae. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  38. ^ Jorge Sandoval (June 19, 2025). "Huracán Erick causa severos daños en Ometepec" (in Spanish). Quadratin Guerrero. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  39. ^ "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.
  40. ^ "Erick turns rainmaker after hitting Mexico's Pacific coast as a strong hurricane. 1 dead". Times Colonist. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  41. ^ "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.
  42. ^ "Las lluvias dejan un muerto y más de 120 familias afectadas, según Copeco". Contexto (in Spanish). June 18, 2025. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  43. ^ "Arévalo pide estar alertas por lluvias en Guatemala y paso de huracán". Prensa Latina (in Spanish). June 18, 2025. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  44. ^ 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.
  45. ^ Livingston, Ian (June 18, 2025). "Hurricane Erick set to strike Mexico as an intense storm Thursday". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  46. ^ "Hurricane Erick makes landfall in Mexico as Category 3 storm". Straight Arrow News. June 19, 2025. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  47. ^ Masters, Bob Henson, Jeff (June 19, 2025). "Hurricane Erick crashes into Mexico at category 3 strength » Yale Climate Connections". Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved June 20, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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