Hurricane Simon has intensified into a formidable Category 4 hurricane off the Pacific coast of Mexico, posing a threat of damaging winds, storm surges, and potential flooding as it nears landfall. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Simon, with maximum sustained winds of 240 km/h, was positioned approximately 185 kilometers south-southwest of Manzanillo on Saturday morning, moving in a northerly direction.
Expected to make landfall as a major hurricane along the west-central coast of Mexico late Saturday or early Sunday, Simon may experience further strengthening before reaching land, according to the NHC. A hurricane warning has been issued for sections of Mexico’s Pacific coast south of Puerto Vallarta, including the Manzanillo area, which is home to Mexico’s largest Pacific port. Additionally, a tropical storm watch extends further south towards Lázaro Cárdenas.
Residents in the warned areas, encompassing the offshore Islas MarÃas archipelago, have been urged by the NHC to expedite preparations to safeguard lives and property. The rapid strengthening of Simon poses significant danger, with the potential for structural damage to homes and businesses from strong winds, as well as the risk of flooding, mudslides, and subsequent challenges for emergency response efforts.
Mexican authorities have issued warnings for heavy rainfall in Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco. Simon is projected to bring 10 to 20 inches (25 to 51 centimeters) of rainfall across parts of southwestern Mexico through Sunday, with isolated amounts of up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) possible in certain areas. This heavy rainfall could lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in mountainous regions.
The NHC has cautioned about an anticipated storm surge near and to the east of Simon’s landfall location, accompanied by large, destructive waves. Swells generated by the hurricane are expected to impact portions of Mexico’s southwestern and west-central coast in the upcoming days, creating hazardous surf and rip current conditions. Simon is forecasted to be close to or just inland from Mexico’s west-central Pacific coast on Sunday.
The previous week saw Hurricane Polo hitting the Baja California Peninsula as a Category 2 storm, resulting in tree and utility pole damage, street flooding, and other property impacts.
