The National Hurricane Center in Miami has issued a hurricane warning for parts of Mexico’s central and southwest Pacific coast as Hurricane Simon moves northwest toward the shoreline. Early Friday, Simon recorded maximum sustained winds of 145 kph (90 mph) and was traveling at a modest 7 kph (5 mph). Forecast models show the storm turning northward by early Saturday and intensifying quickly.
Rapid intensification expected
Forecasters anticipate that Simon will become a Category 4 hurricane before it reaches land. On the Saffir‑Simpson scale, Category 4 storms carry sustained winds between 210 and 250 kph (130‑156 mph), a level that can cause catastrophic damage.
Location and timing
At the time of the report, Simon was centered about 355 kilometers (220 miles) south of Manzanillo and roughly 525 kilometers (325 miles) south‑southeast of Cabo Corrientes. The system is expected to bring tropical‑storm‑force conditions to the coast later on Friday, with the strongest winds arriving Saturday as the storm approaches the shoreline.
Potential impacts
U.S. forecasters project torrential rainfall ranging from 20 to 38 centimeters (8 to 15 inches) across southwestern Mexico, with isolated areas possibly receiving up to 63 centimeters (25 inches). Such heavy precipitation could trigger flooding and mudslides, especially in vulnerable mountainous regions.
Related weather activity
Further north, Tropical Storm Rachel is forecast to affect Baja California, northwestern Mexico, and southern California this weekend. Rachel currently carries winds of 95 kph (60 mph) and is expected to weaken, though it may still bring significant rain to the area.
Seasonal context
The Pacific basin has experienced above‑average tropical‑storm activity this season, a pattern linked to a strong El Niño. While El Niño typically suppresses Atlantic storm formation, it can enhance Pacific cyclones, as seen with Simon and Rachel.
Authorities in the affected Mexican states are urged to monitor the storm closely, prepare evacuation routes, and ensure that emergency shelters are ready for residents in flood‑prone zones. Residents should stay informed through local media and heed any directives from municipal officials.
Original reporting: KTSA News/Talk (San Antonio) — read the source article.
