In recent days, Mexican and Guatemalan authorities have intensified their surveillance and prevention efforts. due to the emergence and movement of several low-pressure systems in the eastern Pacific. These phenomena have caused heavy rains, flooding rivers, and weather disturbances in regions already vulnerable to these types of conditions, generating concern among the population and local emergency services.
The most notable phenomenon corresponds to the remnants of Erick, which after growing from a powerful Category 3 to a Category 4 hurricane, gradually weakened into a remnant low-pressure system over Mexican territory. Although it lost cyclonic intensity, the meteorological consequences continue to be significant.
Remaining low pressure from Erick: effects and forecasts
The system made landfall in Oaxaca with maximum winds of more than 200 km/h. and subsequently moved toward Guerrero, where it was located Thursday night a few kilometers from Ciudad Altamirano and Acapulco. Although it now only maintained sustained winds of 45 km/h and gusts of 65 km/h, its effects persisted in the form of torrential rains—up to 250 mm in some areas—intense winds, and high waves.
These factors increased the risk of landslides, river overflows and flooding in low-lying areas. from states such as Guerrero, Oaxaca, Michoacán, Puebla, Veracruz, and Chiapas. Mexican authorities specifically warned about the critical state of six rivers on the Costa Chica of Guerrero and municipalities such as Ometepec, Igualapa, and Marquelia, which are likely to overflow due to increased flows.
The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) had to restore power to half of the nearly 277.000 customers affected by power outages in Oaxaca and Guerrero. Meanwhile, the population continued to follow Civil Protection recommendations to stay informed and prepare for future incidents, following the devastation caused by previous hurricanes like Otis and John.
Institutional responses and emergency plans
Faced with the threat of these phenomena, emergency and surveillance plans were activated. In both Mexico and Guatemala, authorities in the Central American country, led by the Executive Secretariat of CONRED, strengthened coordination with INSIVUMEH (National Institute of Statistics and Census of Mexico) to monitor the progress of a low-pressure system off the coast of El Salvador. While not expected to directly impact Guatemala, it did generate abundant humidity, clouds, and rain over much of the country.
The Emergency Broadcast Center remained on alert, and humanitarian aid was delivered to various regions. First-responder teams were prepared to intervene wherever necessary, while the public was advised to identify safe areas in their communities and prepare a "72-hour backpack" with basic supplies.
The highest rainfall accumulations in Guatemala were observed in the south, center, the Northern Transversal Strip and the Eastern Valleys.In addition, warnings were issued about the likelihood of severe storms, lahars in volcanic chains, flooding rivers, landslides, and damage to road infrastructure. Although the system was moving without directly affecting the country, hundreds of rain-related emergencies have been reported to date, including fatalities and numerous homeless people.
New low pressure zones under surveillance
After Erick's passing, All eyes were focused on a new low pressure zone in the eastern Pacific, located more than 600 kilometers southeast of the Suchiate River, on Mexico's southern border. According to advisories from the National Meteorological Service, the probability of this system developing into a tropical cyclone in the next 48 to 72 hours was between 60% and 80%, so civil protection systems remained on alert.
Likewise, in southern Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero, an area of additional atmospheric instability was identified, with a lower but still possible probability of cyclone development within a week. This situation necessitated extended monitoring and constant communication from meteorological authorities through official websites and social media.
Recommendations to the population and preventive monitoring
Citizens are urged to emphasize the importance of follow the instructions of local and national authorities, especially regarding weather warnings, preparing supplies, and evacuation if necessary. Recent consequences—including landslides, floods, rising rivers, and power outages—demonstrate that preparation and information are crucial to reducing risks.
Inter-institutional collaboration between meteorological agencies, civil protection, and emergency services has been instrumental in minimizing damage and saving lives in both countries. In both Mexico and Guatemala, recent experience has reaffirmed the need to maintain well-structured response protocols for the presence of low-pressure systems and associated phenomena. You can learn more about how these systems affect the region in our article on the pressure gradient.
The increased frequency of these events during the rainy season forces the population to remain especially alert and implement preventive measures, not only against the threat of cyclones, but also against the dangers arising from heavy rains and unstable terrain.
The last few days have been marked by constant surveillance of the Pacific Ocean, coordination between institutions, and a constant call to remain vigilant. In both Mexico and Guatemala, authorities insist that information, foresight, and timely response are the best tools to face the challenges posed by low-pressure systems and their impact on communities.