Hurricane Simon has intensified into a formidable Category 4 hurricane off the Pacific coast of Mexico, posing threats of destructive winds, storm surges, and potentially hazardous flooding as it nears landfall. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported on Saturday that Simon was situated approximately 185 kilometers south-southwest of Manzanillo with sustained winds reaching 240 km/h as it moved in a northward direction.
Forecasted to make landfall as a major hurricane late Saturday or early Sunday along Mexico’s west-central coast, Simon may undergo further strengthening, according to the NHC. A hurricane warning has been issued for parts of Mexico’s Pacific coast, including the vicinity of Manzanillo, the largest Pacific port in Mexico. Furthermore, a tropical storm watch is in effect towards Lázaro Cárdenas.
Residents in the warned areas, which also encompass the Islas MarÃas archipelago offshore, are urged by the NHC to expedite preparations to safeguard life and property. Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski from AccuWeather highlighted the rapid strengthening of Simon, emphasizing the potential dangers posed by strong winds damaging structures, flooding, and mudslides disrupting transportation and emergency response efforts.
Mexican authorities cautioned about heavy rainfall expected in Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco. Simon is expected to bring 10 to 20 inches (25 to 51 centimeters) of rainfall across southwestern Mexico, with isolated areas in Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco possibly receiving up to 30 inches (76 centimeters), leading to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in mountainous regions.
The NHC warned of a storm surge along the coast near and east of the anticipated landfall location, accompanied by substantial and destructive waves. Swells generated by Simon are anticipated to impact portions of Mexico’s southwestern and west-central coast in the upcoming days, creating perilous surf and rip current conditions. Simon is predicted to be in close proximity to or just inland from Mexico’s west-central Pacific coast on Sunday.
In a separate event last week, Hurricane Polo struck the Baja California Peninsula as a Category 2 storm, resulting in fallen trees, damaged utility poles, street flooding, and other property destruction.