Category 3 Hurricane Erick makes landfall over Oaxaca, Mexico
Category 3 Hurricane Erick made landfall over the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, on June 19, 2025, after a phase of rapid intensification. Heavy rains are forecast to continue across coastal Mexico, exacerbating the ongoing flooding triggered by the storm.
Satellite image of Hurricane Erick. Credit: NOAA/GOES-19, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers. Acquired at 1140 UTC on June 19, 2025
Hurricane Erick made landfall over extreme western Oaxaca, Mexico at around 12:00 UTC (06:00 CST) on June 19, after rapidly intensifying into a Category 4 hurricane a few hours earlier. It weakened to Category 3 strength at the time of landfall.
As of 12:00 UTC (06:00 CST) on June 19, Erick’s center was located roughly 30 km (18 miles) east of Punta Maldonado. Maximum sustained winds near the center were reaching 200 km/h (125 mph).
It had an estimated minimum central pressure of 950 hPa at the time and was moving northwest at 15 km/h (9 mph).
A Hurricane Warning is in effect from Acapulco to Puerto Angel, while a Hurricane Watch is in effect from west of Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from east of Puerto Angel to Salina Cruz and from west of Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 km (25 miles) while tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 145 km (90 miles) from the center. Erick is forecast to rapidly weaken following landfall and should dissipate by late June 19 or early June 20.
Rainfall totals of 200 to 305 mm (8 to 12 inches), with localized totals of 400 mm (16 inches), are forecast across the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guerrero.
Rainfall totals of 50 to 100 mm (2 to 4 inches), with maximum totals of 150 mm (6 inches), are expected across the Mexican states of Chiapas, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco.
Captan poderosa ola en la playa principal de Puerto Escondido ante la inminente llegada del Huracán Erick categoría 4 en costas de #Oaxaca. pic.twitter.com/BwF13bG3se
— Código Veracruz (@codigoveracruz) June 19, 2025
Flooding triggered by heavy rains produced by Erick has already been affecting parts of Mexico days before landfall. Huge waves were seen crashing along a beach in Puerto Escondido, while floodwaters submerged vehicles in Huatulco in Oaxaca. Significant flooding was also observed in Zihuatanejo, where floodwaters submerged multiple roads.
Centro de #Huatulco “La Crucecita” inundado a la altura de Plaza “El Madero” #HuracánErick #Oaxaca pic.twitter.com/oNf2ljBuDG
— Guillermo Pérezpeña (@memocrata) June 19, 2025
Asi se encuentra Zihuatanejo previo a la llegada del huracán Erick pic.twitter.com/21qCsUuV5j
— ContraPeso.News (@ContraPesoNewss) June 19, 2025
Dangerous, life-threatening storm surge is expected to produce coastal flooding near and to the east of where the center crosses the coast, in areas of onshore winds. The surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.
Swells generated by Erick will continue impacting the coast of southern Mexico through June 19. 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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