Storms are likely to become Hurricane Eric, defeating Mexico
Forecasters expect to damage flood rainfall and winds on the southwest side of Mexico around June 18-20.
Hurricane Eric is expected to hit Mexico’s southern coast after being upgraded to a “very dangerous” Category 4 earlier Thursday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.
After becoming a hurricane in the Eastern Pacific Ocean on early June 18, the storm continues to be organized all day, with a clear look at satellite imagery, the National Hurricane Centre said. By 12am, Eric’s winds were estimated at 145 mph, about 70 miles southwest of the Puerto Angels in Mexico, and moved northwest at about 9 mph.
The second hurricane of the Pacific season is expected to arrive along Acapulco’s eastern coast, with destructive winds, life-threatening rain spikes and flash floods floating around.
The Center’s update said the strength forecast was “a bit uncertain” as Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter had to cancel the flight early due to computer issues.
The intensity of the hurricane may fluctuate in the hours before landfall, but it could further strengthen the center said. However, the system is expected to fall apart rapidly after landfall and resolve to tropical depression in southern Mexico by Thursday evening. Eric is not expected to bring any problems to the US
The storm forecast tracks have shifted eastward, with the region’s weather conditions already worsening, according to the Hurricane Centre. Hurricane warnings will be valid from Asapulco to Puerto Angels, while Hurricane watches will be valid from Tecpan de Galeana to the west of Asapulco. The Tropical Storm Warning works as far as Salinacruz east of Puerto Angels and as far as Teppandegarina west of Acapulco.
Eric is expected to generate up to 16 inches of rainfall across the Mexico states of Oaxaca and Guerrero. Rainfall will lead to “life-threatening floods and landslides” especially in areas with steep terrain, the Hurricane Centre said Wednesday. Additionally, 3-8 inches of rainfall is expected in Mexico’s states of Chaepas, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco.
The Hurricane Center said the swells created by Eric are expected to affect Mexico’s southern coast later Wednesday, and “is likely to cause life-threatening waves and rip conditions.”
Hurricane Eric Pastracker
This predicted track shows the most likely path in the center of the storm. The full width of the storm or its impact is not shown, and the storm center can move out of the cone for up to 33% of the time.
Hurricane Eric Spaghetti Model
The illustrations include an array of prediction tools and models, not all are created equal. Hurricane Center uses only the top four or five best-performing models to make its predictions.
How do hurricanes form?
Hurricanes originate in the tropical regions above warm waters. Thunderstorm clusters can develop across the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are correct, clusters are swirling into tropical waves and storms known as tropical depression.
Tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm when its sustained wind speed reaches 39 mph. When the wind reaches 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane.
Get ready for a hurricane now
Potentially delaying preparations for salvation can mean waiting until it’s too late. “Get disaster supply while the shelves are still in stock and flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period, so get that insurance inspection early,” NOAA recommends.
- Establish an evacuation plan: If you are at risk of a hurricane, you will need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to plan where you will go and how you will get there.
- Assemble disaster supply: Whether you’re evacuating or evacuating, you’ll need supplies not only to get through the storm, but also for the potentially long aftermath.
- Get an insurance inspection and document your property: Contact your insurance company or agent now to ask for an insurance inspection and make sure you have sufficient insurance to repair or replace your home or belongings. Remember that home insurance and tenant insurance don’t cover floods, so you’ll need a separate insurance for that. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or through your national flood insurance program. Flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period, so take action now.
- Create a family communication plan: NOAA said he took the time to write down your hurricane plan and share it with your family. Determine where family gatherings are to be located and include out-of-town locations in the event of evacuation.
- It strengthens your home: Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand the effects of a hurricane. Trim the wood; attach storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass. Seal the wall opening.
Contribution: Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today
This story has been updated to add new information.
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter for USA Today. You can follow him with X @geuna Alternatively, email him at gdhauari@gannett.com.
