Hurricane Simon has intensified into a formidable Category 4 storm in the vicinity of Mexico’s Pacific coast, posing a threat of severe winds, storm surges, and potential life-threatening flooding as it nears landfall. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Simon was situated approximately 185 kilometers south-southwest of Manzanillo on Saturday morning, with sustained winds reaching 240 km/h and moving in a northerly direction.
Forecasted to reach the west-central coast of Mexico as a major hurricane, Simon is anticipated to make landfall late Saturday or early Sunday, with chances of further strengthening before reaching land, as indicated by the NHC. A hurricane warning has been issued for select areas along Mexico’s Pacific coast south of the popular tourist spot of Puerto Vallarta, including the region surrounding Manzanillo, the largest Pacific port in Mexico. Additionally, a tropical storm watch extends further south towards Lázaro Cárdenas.
Residents within the warned area, encompassing the offshore Islas Marías archipelago, have been urged by the NHC to hasten preparations to safeguard lives and property. AccuWeather meteorologist Dan Pydynowski highlighted the rapid strengthening of Simon, emphasizing the potential dangers posed by strong winds causing structural damage, along with the risk of flooding, mudslides, and subsequent challenges in recovery efforts post-storm.
Mexican authorities have cautioned of heavy rainfall expected in Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco states. Simon is projected to bring between 10 to 20 inches (25 to 51 centimeters) of rainfall across parts of southwestern Mexico by Sunday, with isolated areas possibly receiving up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) in Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco, leading to life-threatening flooding and mudslide hazards, particularly in mountainous regions.
The NHC warned of an anticipated storm surge near and east of the storm’s landfall location, accompanied by large and destructive waves. Swells generated by Simon are predicted to impact regions along Mexico’s southwestern and west-central coast, resulting in hazardous surf and rip current conditions over the next few days. Simon is expected to be close to or just inland along Mexico’s west-central Pacific coast by Sunday.
In a previous occurrence, Hurricane Polo made landfall on the Baja California Peninsula last week as a Category 2 storm, causing damage such as fallen trees, flooded streets, and utility pole disruptions.
