Hurricane Simon strengthens into Category 4 storm as it takes aim at Mexico
Simon has strengthened into a powerful Category 4 hurricane as it barrels toward Mexico's Pacific coast.
Hurricane Simon has intensified into a Category 4 storm, threatening Mexico's western coastline. The National Hurricane Center in Miami reported earlier this week that Simon's winds had reached 155 miles per hour, and they anticipate the hurricane to make landfall on Mexico's west-central coast as a major hurricane on Sunday. At its peak, Simon's winds were just below the threshold for a Category 5, which requires winds exceeding 157 mph. Should the hurricane's core move onto land, it may rapidly weaken.
Simon could dump anywhere from 10 to 20 inches of rain over southwestern Mexico, with pockets in Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco states receiving up to 30 inches. This torrential rainfall is expected to trigger flooding and mudslides, particularly in regions with steep terrain. The hurricane center has urged residents to act swiftly in preparing for life-threatening conditions as tropical storm-like weather has already begun.
Simon is currently 65 miles south-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, and is moving at a sluggish 5 mph. The agency advises that protective measures to preserve life and property should be completed before the conditions deteriorate later tonight. Jalisco state has closed schools in 22 coastal municipalities and has initiated evacuations from high-risk areas.
The tourism sector in Puerto Vallarta, a popular spot for U.S. tourists, is being urged to ensure that both staff and visitors are safe in shelters or secure zones by Friday afternoon.
Businesses in Puerto Vallarta, such as convenience stores, hotels, and other establishments, are boarding up their windows as the city braces for the storm under overcast skies. Jesús Gómez, a local resident, expressed hope that the hurricane would not affect them, while a Canadian tourist staying in Puerto Vallarta remains uncertain about his plans, stating, "I just don't know what to expect."
Compared to the Atlantic, which has seen only its first named hurricane for the season, the Pacific has experienced high activity, with Simon's arrival following closely on the heels of Hurricane Polo, which struck Mexico last week as a Category 2 storm, and later moved to the southwestern United States, causing heavy flooding.
Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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