HURRICANE ERICK STRENGTHENS – MAJOR HURRICANE POSSIBLE BEFORE LANDFALL IN SOUTHERN MEXICO

Published: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 – 10:05 AM CST
From TNW News Hurricane Operations Center | By General Manager & Hurricane Chief Todd Nardone

…ERICK NOW A HURRICANE…

…LIFE-THREATENING FLOODING AND HURRICANE-FORCE WINDS EXPECTED IN SOUTHERN MEXICO TONIGHT AND THURSDAY…

TNW Hurricane Division confirms that Hurricane Erick has rapidly strengthened overnight and now poses a serious threat to the southern coastline of Mexico, especially the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero.

As of 6:00 AM CST Wednesday, the center of Erick was located about 160 miles (255 km) south-southeast of Puerto Angel, Mexico. The system is moving northwest at 7 mph (11 km/h) and is expected to accelerate slightly later today and tonight. Landfall or close proximity to the Mexican coast is likely late tonight into Thursday morning.

🌀 Storm Details

• Name: Hurricane Erick
• Status: Category 1 Hurricane (may become a major hurricane)
• Location: 160 miles SSE of Puerto Angel, Mexico
• Movement: NW at 7 mph
• Winds: Sustained 75 mph (120 km/h), higher gusts
• Size: Hurricane-force winds extend 15 miles, tropical-storm-force winds extend 70 miles

⚠️ Hazards and Impact Zones

🔴 WIND: 

• Hurricane-force winds expected along the coast of Oaxaca and Guerrero by late Wednesday night
• Widespread power outages, tree damage, and infrastructure impacts possible

🌧️ RAINFALL: 

• Life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides likely, especially in mountainous terrain
• Heaviest rainfall across southwestern Mexico, Guatemala, and portions of Central America

🌊 STORM SURGE: 

• Dangerous coastal flooding expected near landfall
• Accompanied by destructive wave action and beach erosion

🔑 Key Messages from TNW Operations Division

1. Erick could reach major hurricane status before making landfall tonight or early Thursday.
2. Areas from Puerto Angel to Salina Cruz to Acapulco should complete emergency preparations immediately.
3. Coastal flooding, dangerous surf, and widespread rainfall flooding are imminent. Follow all local evacuation orders.

🛑 Emergency Advisory

• Hurricane Warnings are in effect for Oaxaca and Guerrero
• Evacuation routes are active; TNW has mapped the zones in our updated cone graphic

📡 Tracking Erick 

Stay updated through:

• 🌐 TNWWeather.com
• 📱 @TNWWeather on X, Threads, and Instagram
• 📺 Live Coverage streaming on TNW News YouTube

Next complete advisory at 12:00 PM CST.

🌀 Graphic Update:
A new TNW First ALERT™ Hurricane Cone Graphic has been issued:

• 15 feet wider than standard size
• Includes Mexico road infrastructure, evacuation markings, and wind radius overlays
• Features realistic satellite map background and storm surge forecast

📎 Download or view graphic via TNWWeather.com/Erick

© 2025 TNW News Operations Hurricane Center.
TNW First ALERT™, TNW Hurricane Cone™, and TNWCon™ Graphics are trademarks of TNW News LLC.

Report filed by:
Todd Nardone
General Manager & Chief of Hurricane Operations
TNW News Operations Hurricane Division
10:05 AM CST — June 18, 2025