Key facts
- Hurricane Simon strengthened to a Category 4 storm with 150 mph sustained winds.
- Simon is located 115 miles south-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico.
- Landfall is expected late Saturday or early Sunday on Mexico's west-central coast.
- A hurricane warning is in effect for areas including Manzanillo and the Islas Marias.
- Heavy rainfall of 10 to 20 inches is forecast for southwestern Mexico, with isolated totals up to 30 inches.
Hurricane Simon intensified into a Category 4 storm off Mexico's Pacific coast on Saturday, packing maximum sustained winds of 150 mph and threatening destructive conditions.
The US National Hurricane Center stated that Simon was located approximately 115 miles south-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, on Saturday morning. The storm is expected to approach the west-central coast of Mexico as a major hurricane late Saturday or early Sunday, with the possibility of further strengthening before landfall.
A hurricane warning is in effect for a stretch of Mexico's Pacific coast south of Puerto Vallarta, encompassing the area around Manzanillo, a major Pacific port, and the Islas Marias archipelago. A tropical storm watch has been issued further south towards Lazaro Cardenas.
AccuWeather meteorologist Dan Pydynowski highlighted the danger of storms that strengthen rapidly, noting that strong winds could cause significant damage to structures, while flooding and mudslides could impede emergency response efforts.
Mexican officials have cautioned residents about anticipated heavy rainfall in the states of Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco. The NHC forecasts 10 to 20 inches of rain across parts of southwestern Mexico through Sunday, with isolated totals potentially reaching 30 inches in Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco, increasing the risk of life-threatening floods and mudslides, particularly in mountainous regions.
Additionally, a storm surge is anticipated along the coast near and east of the landfall point, accompanied by large and destructive waves. Swells from Simon are expected to impact Mexico's southwestern and west-central coast in the coming days, creating hazardous surf and rip current conditions.