Hurricane Erik reaches Category 4 status ahead of its imminent impact on the southern coast of Mexico.

Mexico City, June 19 (EFE).- Hurricane Eric strengthened early Thursday morning to Category 4 status, with sustained winds of 230 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 275 km/h, as it approaches the coasts of Oaxaca and Guerrero, where it will hit as a "powerful and dangerous hurricane," the National Meteorological Service (SMN) warned.

The National Water Commission (Conagua) of the Government reported that at 00:00 hours (06:00 GMT), Erick was located 65 kilometers (km) southwest of Puerto Escondido, in the state of Oaxaca, and 145 km southeast of Punta Maldonado, in Guerrero.

Its trajectory will take it to land between Lagunas de Chacahua, Oaxaca, and Punta Maldonado, Guerrero, this morning, according to the most recent report.

The cyclone's cloud bands are already causing extraordinary rainfall—more than 250 millimeters—in Oaxaca and torrential downpours in Guerrero and Chiapas.

These rains could cause landslides, river flooding, puddles, and flooding, and Mexican authorities are also reporting high waves and storm surges on the affected coasts.

The agency also detailed that a hurricane preparedness zone remains active from Acapulco, Guerrero, to Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca; and tropical storm watch zones from Salina Cruz to Técpan de Galeana.

The Mexican government also activated the "DN-III-E" and "Navy" armed forces plans, while Conagua and the Federal Electricity Commission are coordinating preventive actions to address potential disruptions to basic services.

"Together we will move forward," President Claudia Sheinbaum said earlier in a message to the population of the affected areas.

In addition, the Mexican president urged everyone to remain calm, stay home or go to shelters if they live in low-lying areas or near rivers, and stay informed through official channels.

Erick is the first hurricane of the 2025 season in the Mexican Pacific, which estimates the possible formation of up to 37 named cyclones in both oceans.

Recent history, with events like Otis and John, has raised red flags to reinforce preventive measures. EFE