Hurricane Simon, storm Rachel leave 5 dead in western Mexico

Tropical weather systems have claimed five lives and caused damage in western Mexico, as Hurricane Simon continues to move slowly up the coast. The storm remains offshore, with its outer bands bringing winds and rain to communities near Puerto Vallarta. At Category 1 strength, with 90 mph sustained winds, Simon is forecast to remain a hurricane through midweek, possibly intensifying by Wednesday.

Hurricane-force winds extend up to 10 miles from the storm's core, while tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 45 miles. In Baja California, rescuers searched for victims after post-tropical cyclone Rachel caused flooding, resulting in at least four deaths. Floodwaters swept away vehicles and damaged homes in Ensenada, cutting off several communities and prompting the deployment of over 14,000 federal and state personnel.

Hurricane Simon also impacted coastal towns in Guerrero state, including Acapulco, downing trees and electricity poles, blocking roads, and flooding homes. A 71-year-old man died in Chilpancingo due to a collapsed wall. In Southern California, Hurricane Rachel weakened into a post-tropical cyclone, causing unusually large waves that damaged a boardwalk and homes in Long Beach.

Flood advisories were lifted in the southwestern U.S. due to the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel, which also set an all-time daily rainfall record for October in Las Vegas.