The US National Hurricane Center said on Wednesday that Hurricane Eric has become stronger in a powerful category 3 storm and is closing on the southern Pacific coast of Mexico. The NHC has warned that the storm may bring floods “potentially destructive winds and life-threatening flash.”According to NHC, Eric had maximum continuous winds of 120 mph (195 km/h) and moved towards north -west at a speed of 9 mph (15 km/h). The storm was located about 55 miles (90 km) south-south-west pureto andngel and about 160 miles (260 km) south-east of Punta Moldonado.The forecasts said that the storm is expected to strengthen before making a landfall early Thursday, bringing dangerous storms, coastal floods and disastrous waves to parts of the southern coast.State on high alertThe Mexican states of Oxaca, Gurero and Chiaps are on high alert, the government urged the residents to go to shelters and avoid risk areas. President Claudia Shinbam appealed to the public to stay indoors and follow the official instructions.“We say the population to stay for official communication, stay indoors and not go out,” he said. “If you are in low-to-touched areas, near the rivers, near the waterways, it is best for you to go to shelters, for shelters that have already been established for this position.” He urged the boat owners not to go out of the sea.More than 2,000 temporary shelters have been established in the three states, and hundreds of soldiers, power workers and civil security teams have been deployed. Local authorities shut down classes, closure the ports, and extend alert in tourist places along the cities and coast, including Akapulko.Community prepare for floodsOfficers are particularly concerned about the risk of flash floods and mudslides in mountainous regions. In some areas, torrential rains are forecast in Gurro, Oxaca and Chiapas with expected 16 inches (40 cm) rainfall.The National Civil Defense Coordinator of Mexico, Laura Velzkez, said rivers and dams are being closely monitored. The “torrential” rain is expected to increase the risk in areas with steep areas.Governor of Gurero, Evelyn Salgado, confirmed that all schools were closed and 582 shelters were prepared. The port of the port was closed on Tuesday evening, and fishing and tourism operators were advised to secure their equipment.Eric Pacific is the fifth designated store of the storm season, which lasts until November. Officials have continued to urge the residents on the route of the storm to be cautious and informed.‘The strongest storm in Mexico’After doubled in strength in less than a day, the storm Eric intensified rapidly as it passed through ideal conditions from the southern coast of Mexico. Scientists say that this rapid intensity – has been defined as a storm at a speed of at least 35 mph in 24 hours – a warm climate is more often in a warm climate. Eric increased by 50 mph in just 18 hours, and forecasts hope that it will further strengthen. “It is likely that when Eric hits, it would be the strongest storm to make a landfall in that part of Mexico in the early days of the season,” said Bryan McNoldi said.Experts note that when Eric is powerful, this malignant storm varies from otis, which hit Akapulko after deep, hot water in October 2023. The atmosphere of the current storm is slightly cold below the surface, although the surface temperature is high. Atmospheric scientist Cryston Corbosiero said, “This is a good stormy eye formation,” is “extremely moist” to connect the storm environment, which promotes its growth.
