ACAPULCO, Mexico (AP)—As steady rain fell on Acapulco, both residents and tourists braved the elements on Thursday evening to venture outside and visit the few businesses that remained open. This was in the wake of Hurricane Erick, which made landfall earlier in the day along southern Mexico's Pacific coast as a Category 3 storm, causing significant concerns following the recent memories of devastating Hurricane Otis in 2023.
Hurricane Erick initially came ashore as a Category 3 strength storm, hitting a sparsely populated stretch between Acapulco and Puerto Escondido. Although it was predicted to be a stronger Category 4 storm, it weakened as it progressed inland. Authorities reported scenes of landslides, blocked roads, downed power lines, and flooded areas, with the most serious consequences felt in Acapulco. A death was reported as residents, mindful of the havoc wrought by Hurricane Otis, took the storm's threat seriously.
Fishermen in Puerto Escondido were seen searching for and inspecting boats that had been tossed by the storm. The remnants of Erick continued to pose risks, particularly with heavy rainfall in the mountainous regions that loom over Acapulco’s famous beaches. Forecasts indicated that torrential rain would persist throughout the evening as the storm moved through the coastal mountain range before dissipating over the mountains in Michoacan state.
As the U.S. National Hurricane Center reported on Thursday night, Erick was situated approximately 95 miles (155 kilometers) north-northwest of Acapulco, with maximum sustained winds reduced to 30 mph (45 kph). The storm had rapidly intensified to Category 4 strength before making landfall, a phenomenon increasingly concerning to meteorologists due to rising occurrences of rapid intensification in tropical storms.
The early morning on Thursday found Acapulco under ominous skies. As the day progressed, light traffic filled the streets, and some residents took advantage of calmer moments to go shopping or swim in the bay. While the coastal storm impacted agricultural fields more than tourism, the city was on alert due to the storm's possible heavy rains.
Authorities warned of persistent heavy rain, with forecasts suggesting up to 16 inches (40 centimeters) could fall across regions of Oaxaca and Guerrero, which posed a risk of flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep areas. Late Thursday, it was reported that a tragic incident led to the death of a 1-year-old child in San Marcos, an inland community southeast of Acapulco, where a mother lost her grip while crossing a swollen river.
Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado cautioned residents to remain vigilant despite Erick making landfall in neighboring Oaxaca. She emphasized that the storm still posed a significant threat with anticipated intense rains.
Memories of Hurricane Otis from two years prior weighed heavily on the minds of Acapulco's residents, who had experienced a similar "rapid intensification" scenario. Otis hit the city as a Category 5 hurricane in October 2023, causing at least 52 fatalities and substantial damage to hotels and infrastructure.
The preparations for Erick saw many locals like 60-year-old waiter Marcial Gallardo ensuring their properties were secure, having learned from the destruction caused by Otis. In Acapulco, a visible presence of National Guard and police patrolled the streets, while efforts were made to clear drainage canals and manage debris.
