Hurricane Erick struck Mexico's Pacific coast early on June 19 morning, making landfall in the western state of Oaxaca as a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 205 km/h (125 mph), the US National Hurricane Center reported.

The hurricane's centre was located approximately 30 kilometres (20 miles) east of Punta Maldonado in Guerrero state after hitting Santiago Pinotepa Nacional in Oaxaca around 5:30 a.m. local time (11:30 GMT). The storm was moving northwest at 15 km/h (9 mph) whilst generating wind gusts of up to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Erick had been downgraded from an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 hurricane shortly before making landfall, though it remains classified as a major hurricane capable of causing significant destruction. The storm threaded between the resort destinations of Acapulco and Puerto Escondido, striking a sparsely populated coastal stretch dominated by agricultural fields and small fishing villages.

"If you are in low-lying areas, near rivers, near waterways, it is best for you to go to shelters, to the shelters that have already been set up for this situation," President Claudia Sheinbaum said in a video message on June 18 evening.

The Mexican leader suspended all activities in the affected region and urged residents to remain indoors or seek shelter.

Meteorologists predict Erick will weaken rapidly as it encounters the coastal mountains of southern Mexico, with the system likely to dissipate by late June 19 or early June 20. However, the hurricane is expected to unleash torrential rainfall across multiple states before losing strength.

The National Meteorological Service warned that rainfall totals could reach up to 40 centimetres (16 inches) across Oaxaca and Guerrero states, with lesser amounts forecast for Chiapas, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco. The mountainous terrain along the coast faces particular risks of mudslides and river flooding.

Mexican authorities mobilised more than 18,000 first responders and established approximately 2,000 emergency shelters across Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca states. The government activated military contingency plans "DN-III-E" and "Navy" whilst coordinating with the Federal Electricity Commission to address potential infrastructure disruptions.

The approaching storm revived painful memories for residents of Acapulco, which was devastated by Hurricane Otis in October 2023. The Category 5 hurricane killed at least 52 people and severely damaged nearly all of the resort city's hotels after rapidly intensifying and catching many residents unprepared.

Guerrero state Governor Evelyn Salgado suspended all movement in Acapulco and other coastal communities from 8 p.m. on June 18, whilst schools across the state remained closed for a second consecutive day Thursday.

Erick represents the first hurricane of the 2025 Pacific season, which forecasters estimate could produce up to 37 named cyclones across both ocean basins. The storm exemplified the phenomenon of rapid intensification, having doubled in strength in less than 24 hours - a pattern that has become increasingly common and poses challenges for accurate forecasting.

Hurricane warnings remained in effect for a 500-kilometre (300-mile) stretch of the Pacific coast from Acapulco to Puerto Ángel, whilst tropical storm watches extended from Salina Cruz to Técpan de Galeana.

By June 18 evening, massive waves were already pummelling the waterfront in Puerto Escondido, swamping wooden fishing boats that had been hauled ashore for protection. The rising tide reached into beachfront restaurants as the town braced for the storm's full impact.

The recent history of destructive hurricanes including Otis and John has prompted Mexican authorities to reinforce preventive measures and emergency response protocols for the current season.