Hurricane Simon nears Mexico with 155 mph winds and flooding fears
Hurricane Simon was near Mexico’s Pacific coast early Sunday and was forecast to move inland later that day. Its winds had reached 155 mph, just short of Category 5 strength.
The storm was about 60 miles west-southwest of Manzanilla, moving north-northwest at 6 mph. Forecasters warned that southwestern Mexico could receive 10 to 20 inches of rain, with up to 30 inches in parts of Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco.
Authorities cautioned that heavy rain could trigger deadly flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep areas. The hurricane center also expected a dangerous storm surge and large, damaging waves near the coast around landfall.
Jalisco suspended classes Friday and Monday in 22 coastal municipalities and began moving people from exposed areas. Officials also urged Puerto Vallarta’s tourism businesses to provide safe shelter for employees and visitors.
Businesses in Puerto Vallarta boarded up windows as residents and tourists waited to see what the storm would bring. The hurricane center’s warnings indicate that conditions could worsen as Simon moves ashore.
Key points
- Simon’s winds reached 155 mph as it approached Mexico’s Pacific coast.
- Heavy rain could cause life-threatening floods and mudslides in southwestern Mexico.
- Jalisco suspended classes, began evacuations and urged tourism businesses to shelter people.