Hurricane Simon intensified rapidly into a powerful Category 4 storm off Mexico’s Pacific coast, packing sustained winds of 150 mph. The National Hurricane Center warned of life-threatening flooding, destructive storm surges, and up to 30 inches of rain across southwestern states as the major hurricane approaches landfall.
The storm grew dangerous in a hurry. Simon strengthened into a powerful Category 4 storm off Mexico’s Pacific coast, prompting urgent preparations and evacuation warnings across the region. Positioned off the west-central coast, the system packed maximum sustained winds reaching 150 mph (240 kph), crossing the threshold into a major hurricane as forecasters tracked its northward march.
Simon was centered about 100 miles (161 kilometres) south-southwest of Manzanillo on Saturday and moving slowly northward. A tropical storm watch remained in effect farther south toward Lázaro Cárdenas, while authorities urged residents within the warning area—which also includes the offshore Islas Marías archipelago—to rush preparations to protect life and property.
Manzanillo Port and Puerto Vallarta Brace for Landfall
A hurricane warning stretched along portions of the Pacific coast south of Puerto Vallarta, including the area around Manzanillo. Convenience stores, hotels, and local businesses in Puerto Vallarta boarded up storefront windows under heavy overcast skies as streets emptied out. Canadian tourist Ed Currie, visiting the popular destination with his wife, watched the developments unfold from his hotel. Just stay in the hotel and look out the window hopefully,
he said, adding that he just didn’t know what to expect
while planning to wait out the weather.
Local shopkeepers balanced caution with routine as warnings took effect. Let’s hope it doesn’t hit us, right? That it doesn’t affect us,
shopkeeper Jesús Gómez remarked outside his store. We’ll be working as usual throughout the day, but when Civil Protection officials come and tell us we need to close, then we’ll close and take shelter until the storm passes.
Jalisco Suspends Classes and Evacuates At-Risk Areas
State authorities moved swiftly ahead of the impact. Jalisco state suspended classes on Friday and Monday across 22 coastal municipalities, initiating evacuations for dozens of residents living in vulnerable zones. Tourism operators in Puerto Vallarta received instructions to ensure all visitors and staff were safely accommodated in designated shelters or safe zones.
If we let our guard down and try to come up with a last-minute action plan, it is highly likely that lives will be lost.
Sergio Ramírez, state director of civil protection
Governor Pablo Lemus urged residents to monitor official updates closely, pointing to the system’s erratic path between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta. Farther north, Tropical Storm Rachel was expected to reach Baja California, northwestern Mexico and Southern California over the weekend. Meanwhile, Mexican authorities issued warnings that heavy rainfall was also expected to impact the states of Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco.
Hurricane Brings Extreme Rainfall and Life-Threatening Flooding
Forecasters warned that the primary danger extends beyond wind speed. The National Hurricane Center in Miami projected rainfall totals between 10 and 20 inches (25 to 51 cm) across southwestern Mexico, with isolated maximums reaching 30 inches (76 cm) in the states of Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco.
This rainfall will produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.
National Hurricane Center
Meteorologists emphasized the compound hazards accompanying the system. Simon has strengthened incredibly quickly, and that’s what makes storms like this so dangerous,
said AccuWeather meteorologist Dan Pydynowski, pointing out that strong winds could damage homes and businesses while flooding and mudslides wash out roads and hamper emergency crews.
