Hurricane Simon intensified to Category 4 strength with 145 mph winds early Saturday as it moved toward west-central Mexico, prompting hurricane warnings and evacuations along the coast including near Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta.
Hurricane Simon rapidly intensified into a Category 4 storm early Saturday with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph while centered about 125 miles south of Manzanillo, Mexico.
The National Hurricane Center forecast the hurricane to approach or make landfall along the west-central Mexican coast later Saturday or early Sunday, bringing catastrophic winds, life-threatening storm surge and heavy rainfall.
Hurricane warnings cover the coast from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita including the Islas Marias, with tropical storm watches extending further.
Mexican authorities in Jalisco and neighboring states suspended classes, began evacuations from vulnerable areas and warned of flooding and mudslides in steep terrain.
Swells from the storm are expected to affect the southwestern and west-central coast through the weekend.
People Sentiments Negative
- Residents in coastal towns prepared and evacuated at-risk areas
- Officials urged immediate completion of protective measures
- Forecasters highlighted risks of flooding and mudslides