As Hurricane Simon approaches the picturesque Pacific coast of Mexico, residents are bracing for potentially devastating impacts along the coastline. With powerful winds and torrential rain already affecting the region, authorities have issued urgent warnings as a precautionary measure to safeguard the lives and property of those in the storm’s path.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged local residents to stay indoors as Hurricane Simon unleashes powerful winds and heavy rains on coastal communities. Currently, the hurricane’s eye is moving offshore of Mexico’s Jalisco state, generating winds reaching up to 240 km/h (150 mph) on Sunday.
The storm has already begun to severely impact residents living between the Sierra Madre mountain range and the Pacific Ocean, as torrential rain raises concerns about mudslides, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions. Having intensified to a Category 4 hurricane—on a five-point scale—Simon is a significant part of an unusually active Pacific hurricane season this year.
In a statement on the social media platform X, Sheinbaum called for residents in Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit, and Michoacan to remain sheltered until authorities confirm it is safe to leave. The United States National Hurricane Center (NHC) further warned that Simon could lead to additional rainfall ranging from 8 to 16 inches (20 to 41 cm) over southwestern Mexico. Some areas of Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco may experience precipitation totals as high as 76 cm (30 inches) through Monday.
While it is still uncertain whether the storm will make landfall, Cabo Corrientes remains at the highest risk of a direct hit, sitting precariously on a cape jutting into the Pacific Ocean. As a precaution, Mexico’s National Civil Protection Coordination (CNPC) has issued the highest cyclone alert for 28 municipalities in Jalisco and Colima, while 93 other municipalities have been placed under a high alert level.
In response to the approaching storm, educational institutions in the impacted areas have suspended classes, and evacuation efforts are underway. Popular tourist destinations, including Puerto Vallarta, have seen businesses boarding up windows and deploying sandbags in preparation for the storm’s arrival.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Navarro has emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that Simon has created “high-risk marine conditions” along the coastline, with waves reaching heights of up to 8 meters (26 feet). He shared dramatic footage on social media showcasing storm surges inundating sidewalks and flooding waterways, urging residents to take official warnings seriously and prioritize their safety.
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