Tropical Storm Erick forms, forecast to reach hurricane strength while approaching Mexico
Tropical Storm Erick formed on June 17, 2025, as the 5th named storm of the 2025 eastern Pacific hurricane season. Erick is forecast to continue strengthening, reaching hurricane strength by June 18, as it brings heavy rains and a threat of floods and landslides to Mexico.
Satellite image of Tropical Storm Erick. Credit: GOES-19, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers. Acquired at 10:40 UTC on June 17, 2025
- Erick is expected to strengthen significantly before reaching the coast of southern Mexico, where a Hurricane Watch is in effect.
- Erick will likely produce heavy rainfall across portions of Central America and southern Mexico through this week. Life-threatening flooding and mudslides are possible, especially in areas of steep terrain.
- A storm surge could produce coastal flooding near where the center crosses the coast.
Tropical Depression 5-E strengthened into Tropical Storm Erick on June 17. It is the fifth named storm of the 2025 eastern Pacific hurricane season.
As of 12:00 UTC (06:00 CST) on June 17, Erick was located roughly 695 km (430 miles) southeast of Punta Maldonado in Mexico and had maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph). It was moving west-northwest at 19 km/h (12 mph), with an estimated minimum central pressure of 1 005 hPa.
Erick is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane by June 18, before reaching the Mexican coast. A slower west-northwest to northwest motion is expected over the next few days.
Based on the forecast track by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Erick could make landfall sometime on June 19. However, the forecast is subject to change, with a more accurate forecast expected as the system progresses.
Erick will likely produce heavy rainfall across portions of Central America and southern Mexico through this week. Life-threatening flooding and mudslides are possible, especially in areas of steep terrain. A storm surge could cause coastal flooding near where the center crosses the coast.
A Hurricane Watch is in effect from BahÃa de Huatulco to Punta Maldonado, while a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from Salina Cruz to BahÃa de Huatulco.
Erick is forecast to bring rainfall totals of 125 to 250 mm (5 to 10 inches), with localized amounts of up to 375 mm (15 inches), across the Mexican states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero, as well as coastal sections of Guatemala. This rainfall may lead to life-threatening flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous areas.
Rainfall totals of 50 to 100 mm (2 to 4 inches), with localized amounts of up to 150 mm (6 inches), are expected across interior portions of southeastern Mexico, El Salvador, interior Guatemala, and the Mexican states of Chiapas, Tabasco, and Veracruz.
Swells generated by Erick are expected to begin affecting the coast of southern Mexico within the next day or so. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Rishav is a skilled researcher specializing in extreme and severe weather reporting. He combines exceptional research capabilities with scientific precision to deliver clear, data-driven articles. Known for uncovering critical information, Rishav ensures his work is accurate, insightful, and impactful. His passion for both science and literature fuels his dedication to producing high-quality news articles. You can reach him at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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