PUERTO ESCONDIDO: Hurricane Erick killed at least two people as it swept through southern Mexico causing significant damage to coastal communities before weakening to a low-pressure system Thursday night, authorities said. A man was electrocuted while helping with debris removal in the southern Oaxaca state, where Erick made landfall, after handling high-voltage cables near a stream, the state government said.

Erick is expected to rapidly intensify and reach major hurricane strength as it approaches Mexico’s coast.

“If you are in low-lying areas, near rivers, near waterways, it is best for you to go to shelters,” President Claudia Sheinbaum said.