The storm is forecast to rapidly intensify and become a Category 3 hurricane with 115-mph winds before making landfall along the coast of western Oaxaca or eastern Guerrero June 19. Hurricane watches and warnings, along with a tropical storm warning, have been issued.

Erick rapidly strengthened from a 65 mph tropical storm to a potentially catastrophic 145 mph Category 4 hurricane as it neared Mexico’s southwest coastline between Acapulco and Puerto Escondido.