Hurricane Simon Surges Toward Mexico as Category 4 Storm

Hurricane Simon has intensified into a Category 4 storm, advancing towards Mexico’s Pacific coast. The National Hurricane Center in Miami reported Saturday that Simon’s maximum winds have reached 155 mph.

The center expects Simon to approach Mexico’s west-central coast on Sunday as a major hurricane, classified as Category 3 or higher, with winds surpassing 111 mph. On Saturday night, Simon was nearing Category 5 status, which requires sustained winds of 157 mph. Forecasters indicate Simon may weaken quickly if its core lands inland.

The storm might produce 10 to 20 inches of rain across southwestern Mexico. Areas in Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco could see up to 30 inches. “This rainfall will produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain,” the center warned. Residents were urged to prepare as tropical storm conditions emerged Saturday afternoon.

By Saturday, Simon was roughly 65 miles south-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, inching north at 5 mph. The hurricane center urged prompt completion of preparations to protect life and property in the warning zone, predicting worsening conditions by nightfall.

Authorities in Jalisco state suspended classes on Monday in 22 coastal municipalities, beginning evacuations from at-risk zones. They advised Puerto Vallarta’s tourism sector to ensure workers and visitors were secured in shelters by Friday afternoon. Businesses in the area started boarding windows on Saturday under overcast skies.

Shopkeeper Jesús Gómez, handing out candied peanuts, remarked, “Let’s hope it doesn’t hit us, right? That it doesn’t affect us.” He mentioned continuing business until officials order closures, then seeking shelter.

The hurricane center anticipates a dangerous storm surge along the coast near and east of landfall, warning of large destructive waves accompanying the surge.

Some tourists like Canadian Ed Currie, staying in Puerto Vallarta with his wife, continued with their plans. “Just stay in the hotel and look out the window hopefully,” he commented, unsure of what to expect.

The Pacific hurricane season remains active, unlike the Atlantic, which experienced its first storm, Isaias, recently. Before Simon, Hurricane Polo hit Mexico as a Category 2 storm, later causing heavy rainfall in the southwestern U.S.