Hurricane Erick made landfall on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, today, authorities said, potentially bringing intense rains and life-threatening floods and mudslides.
The storm made landfall around 5:30am local time in the town of Santiago Pinotepa Nacional, in the state of Oaxaca, as a category 3 major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 205km/h and gusts of 250 km/h, Mexico's national water commission Conagua said.
Scientists have warned that Erick, the first hurricane to make landfall in Mexico this hurricane season, could become the most intense hurricane along Mexico's pacific coast this early in the season, which runs from May to November.
Forecasters predict an above-average active season, with between eight and 11 hurricanes, and four to six of those reaching major hurricane status.
President Claudia Sheinbaum urged people to avoid going out and advised those living in low-lying areas or near rivers to move to shelters.
The storm centre is expected to move inland over southern Mexico throughout the day with winds that could be especially destructive near its core, the US National Hurricane Center said in a report.
Up to 41cm (16 inches) of rain is expected to hit the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, according to NHC.
Moving forward, "Erick is expected to rapidly weaken over the mountains of Mexico, and the system is likely to dissipate tonight or early Friday," the NHC added.
"Heavy rainfall will lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain," NHC warned, as local authorities asked residents to remain vigilant.
Mexico's Ministry of Environment and Conagua gave a similar warning, adding that waves in coastal areas were reaching up to 10 metres (33ft) high.
Local media and videos shared on social networks showed flooded streets in some of the main tourist destinations along Mexico's Pacific coast, such as Huatulco.
Oaxaca Governor Salomon Jara, in a post on X, urged residents to follow authorities' recommendations and said shelters were available for those in areas at risk.
Mexican authorities have also been coordinating evacuation efforts for tourists in beach destinations, including Acapulco.
In October 2023, Acapulco was pummelled by Hurricane Otis, a powerful Category 5 storm that killed at least 50 people.
Hurricane John, another Category 3 storm that hit Acapulco in September last year, caused about 15 deaths.
