Hurricane Simon strengthens to Category 4 off Mexico’s Pacific coast
Puerto Vallarta businesses board up windows as Hurricane Simon threatens Mexico’s west-central coast.
On October 10, Hurricane Simon intensified into a Category 4 storm off Mexico's Pacific coast, threatening destructive winds, storm surges, and potentially deadly flooding as it nears landfall. The US National Hurricane Center reported Simon at approximately 115 miles southwest of Manzanillo, boasting maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (240 kph) while moving northward.
The storm is anticipated to make landfall as a major hurricane late Saturday or early Sunday, with further strengthening still possible before reaching land. A hurricane warning is in effect for portions of Mexico's Pacific coast south of Puerto Vallarta, including Manzanillo, Mexico's largest Pacific port. A tropical storm watch is in force further south toward Lazaro Cardenas.
The NHC advised residents in the warning area, which also encompasses the Islas Marias archipelago offshore, to expedite preparations to safeguard life and property. Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski of AccuWeather cautioned that the storm's rapid intensification makes it particularly dangerous, as strong winds could damage homes and businesses, flooding and mudslides could block roads and hinder emergency responders' access, and post-storm power outages and damaged infrastructure could complicate recovery efforts.
Mexican authorities warned of heavy rainfall expected in Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco states, with 10 to 20 inches (25 to 51 cm) of rain forecast across southwestern Mexico through Sunday, and isolated totals up to 30 inches (76 cm) possible in parts of Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco. Such rainfall could trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in mountainous regions.
A storm surge is projected along the coast near and to the east of landfall, accompanied by powerful waves. Swells generated by Simon are expected to impact Mexico's southwestern and west-central coast over the following days, generating hazardous surf and rip current conditions. The storm is forecast to be near or just inland of Mexico's west-central Pacific coast by Sunday.
Last week, Hurricane Polo struck the Baja California Peninsula as a Category 2 storm, causing tree and utility pole destruction, street flooding, and other property damage.
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