threatening to unleash destructive winds, flash floods and a dangerous storm surge on the region in coming hours, forecasters said. Swiftly strengthening from a Category 1 hurricane hours earlier, Erick had maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 kph) by nightfall as it churned offshore about 55 miles (90 kilometres) south-southwest of Puerto Angel, the Miami-based US National Hurricane Center said. Erick was also about 160 miles (260 kilometres) southeast of Punta Maldonado and moving northwest at nine mph (15 kph) toward an expected landfall sometime Thursday morning, according to the center's latest advisory. A major hurricane is defined as Category 3 or higher and wind speeds of at least 111 mph (180 kph). Forecasters said further strengthening is expected and devastating wind damage is possible near where the eye crashes ashore.

The projected path would take its centre near the resort of Acapulco, which was devastated in October 2023 by Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 hurricane that rapidly intensified and caught many unprepared. At least 52 people died in Otis and 32 were mis

In Acapulco on Wednesday, there was a strong presence of National Guard and police in the streets, but most visible were trucks from the national power company. Crews worked to clear drainage canals and brush.sing, after the storm severely damaged almost all of the resort's hotels. (Jamaica Gleaner)