Tropical Storm Erick became the fifth named storm of the 2025 eastern Pacific hurricane season on June 17, and it’s showing signs of rapid strengthening. Forecasters expect Erick to become a hurricane by June 18, potentially making landfall in southern Mexico on June 19. A Hurricane Watch is now in effect for parts of the southern coast of Mexico as the system gathers strength over warm Pacific waters.
🌀 Tropical Storm #Erick has formed in the eastern #Pacific and may become a #hurricane by June 18. #Mexico’s southern coast faces threats of #flooding, #mudslides, and dangerous surf. #TropicalStormErick #MexicoWeather #HurricaneSeason2025 #FloodAlert #StormWatch pic.twitter.com/hqIgynvgrJ
— meteo.events (@meteoevents) June 18, 2025
Current Status
As of 12:00 UTC (06:00 CST) on June 17, Tropical Storm Erick was located approximately 695 km (430 miles) southeast of Punta Maldonado, Mexico. The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) and moving west-northwest at 19 km/h (12 mph). Minimum central pressure was estimated at 1005 hPa.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts Erick will intensify into a hurricane by June 18, with a potential landfall by June 19, although track and timing remain subject to change.
Watches and Warnings
- Hurricane Watch: Bahía de Huatulco to Punta Maldonado
- Tropical Storm Watch: Salina Cruz to Bahía de Huatulco
These watches signal the possibility of hurricane- or tropical storm-force winds within 48 hours.
Rainfall Threats and Flood Risks
Erick is expected to deliver torrential rain across parts of southern Mexico and Central America this week. Totals may reach:
- 125 to 250 mm (5 to 10 inches), with isolated totals up to 375 mm (15 inches) in Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guerrero, and coastal Guatemala.
- 50 to 100 mm (2 to 4 inches), with isolated totals up to 150 mm (6 inches), in interior parts of southeastern Mexico, El Salvador, interior Guatemala, and Veracruz.
These rainfall amounts could trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in mountainous terrain.
Coastal and Marine Impacts
Swells generated by Erick are forecast to impact the southern Mexican coastline within 24 to 48 hours. These waves will bring:
- Dangerous surf and rip currents
- Localized coastal flooding near areas of landfall due to storm surge
Forecast Outlook
Erick is expected to continue tracking west-northwest to northwest, potentially moving over or very near the southern coast of Mexico. While exact landfall timing remains uncertain, residents in the watch areas should be prepared for worsening conditions starting June 18.
Officials urge the public to monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center and local weather services, and to begin preparation and evacuation planning where necessary.
