Hurricane Simon strengthens to Category 4 off Mexico coast
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People in Puerto Vallarta, in Mexico’s Jalisco state, protecting their businesses from the potential impact of Hurricane Simon on Oct 9.
PHOTO: AFP
- Hurricane Simon strengthened to Category 4 off Mexico’s Pacific coast, with 240kmh winds, and could hit west-central Mexico late on Oct 10 or early on Oct 11.
- A hurricane warning covers areas south of Puerto Vallarta, including Manzanillo and the Islas Marias, as residents are told to rush preparations to protect life and property.
- Heavy rain, storm surge and large waves may cause deadly flooding and mudslides in Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco, with damage and power cuts expected.
AI generated
MEXICO CITY - Hurricane Simon strengthened into a powerful Category 4 storm off Mexico’s Pacific coast on Oct 10, threatening destructive winds, storm surges and potentially deadly flooding as it approaches landfall.
The US National Hurricane Centre said Simon was located about 185km south-southwest of Manzanillo on the morning of Oct 10, packing maximum sustained winds of 240kmh as it moved northwards.
Simon is expected to approach the west-central coast of Mexico as a major hurricane late on Oct 10 or early on Oct 11, and some additional strengthening remains possible before landfall, the NHC said.
A hurricane warning was in effect for portions of Mexico’s Pacific coast south of the beach resort of Puerto Vallarta, including the area around Manzanillo, Mexico’s largest Pacific port. A tropical storm watch was in effect farther south toward Lazaro Cardenas.
The NHC urged residents in the warning area, which also includes the Islas Marias archipelago offshore, to rush preparations to protect life and property.
“Simon has strengthened incredibly quickly, and that’s what makes storms like this so dangerous,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Dan Pydynowski.
“Strong winds could damage homes and businesses, while flooding and mudslides could wash out roads and make it difficult for emergency crews to reach some communities. Even after the storm passes, power outages and damaged infrastructure could make recovery challenging.”
Mexican authorities warned that heavy rainfall was expected in the states of Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco.
The NHC said Simon was expected to produce 25cm to 51cm of rain across portions of southwestern Mexico through Oct 11, with isolated totals of up to 76cm possible in parts of Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco. The rainfall could trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in mountainous areas.
A storm surge is expected along the coast near and to the east of where the centre makes landfall, accompanied by large and destructive waves, the NHC said. Swells generated by Simon are expected to affect portions of Mexico’s southwestern and west-central coast over the coming days, creating dangerous surf and rip current conditions.
Simon is forecast to be near or just inland of Mexico’s west-central Pacific coast on Oct 11.
Last week, Hurricane Polo made landfall on the Baja California Peninsula as a Category 2 storm, toppling trees and utility poles, flooding streets and causing other property damage. REUTERS