Hurricane Simon intensified to a formidable Category 4 hurricane near the Pacific coast of Mexico, posing a threat of damaging winds, storm surges, and potentially lethal flooding as it approaches land. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported Simon’s position as 185 kilometers south-southwest of Manzanillo on Saturday morning, with sustained winds reaching 240 km/h moving northward.
The NHC anticipates Simon to make landfall as a major hurricane along Mexico’s west-central coast later on Saturday or early Sunday, with the possibility of further strengthening before impact. A hurricane warning has been issued for parts of Mexico’s Pacific coast south of Puerto Vallarta, including the Manzanillo area, which houses Mexico’s largest Pacific port. Additionally, a tropical storm watch is in effect further south towards Lázaro Cárdenas.
Residents in the warned areas, encompassing the Islas MarÃas archipelago offshore, have been advised 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, potential property damage, flooding, and mudslides disrupting access for emergency services and complicating recovery efforts post-storm.
Mexican authorities have cautioned about heavy rainfall anticipated in Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco. Simon is forecasted to bring 10 to 20 inches (25 to 51 centimeters) of rainfall across parts of southwestern Mexico through Sunday, with isolated amounts reaching up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) in Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco, heightening the risk of life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in mountainous regions.
The NHC also warned of an expected storm surge near and east of the landfall location, coupled with large and destructive waves. Swells generated by Simon will impact sections of Mexico’s southwestern and west-central coast in the coming days, leading to hazardous surf and rip current conditions. Simon is projected to be near or just inland of Mexico’s west-central Pacific coast by Sunday.
In the previous week, Hurricane Polo struck the Baja California Peninsula as a Category 2 storm, resulting in uprooted trees, flooded streets, and property damage.
