Hurricane Simon Approaches Mexico, Threatens Flooding

Hurricane Simon, with sustained winds of 155 mph, is approaching the Pacific coast of Mexico and is expected to move inland later Sunday. The storm is currently about 60 miles west-southwest of Manzanilla and moving north-northwest at 6 mph.

Meteorological officials warned that the hurricane could bring 10 to 20 inches of rain over parts of southwestern Mexico, with some areas in Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco potentially receiving up to 30 inches of rainfall.

The National Hurricane Centre issued a warning that the rainfall could lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in regions with steep terrain. Jalisco state has suspended classes on Friday and Monday in 22 coastal municipalities and is evacuating people from high-risk areas.

The state also instructed the tourism sector in Puerto Vallarta to ensure workers and visitors are accommodated in shelters or safe zones. Businesses in Puerto Vallarta, including convenience stores and hotels, were boarding up windows on Saturday as the storm approached.

Local residents expressed hope that the storm would not impact their area, with one shop owner stating, 'Let’s hope it doesn’t hit us, right? That it doesn’t affect us.' He added that his business would continue operating until officials ordered a closure.

The hurricane centre also warned of a dangerous storm surge along the immediate coast near and to the east of where the storm is expected to make landfall. Large and destructive waves are anticipated to accompany the surge near the coast.