Hurricane Simon Forecast to Intensify Rapidly Near Mexico's Pacific Coast
The National Hurricane Center warns of rapid strengthening to Category 4 strength, with heavy rainfall expected.
Hurricane Simon is intensifying and is forecast to become a major hurricane, reaching Category 4 strength, as it approaches Mexico's Pacific coast. U.S. forecasters issued a hurricane warning for portions of the central and southwest coast, anticipating hurricane-force winds within 36 hours.
As of early Friday, Simon had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and was moving northwest at 5 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. The storm was centered approximately 220 miles south of Manzanillo and 325 miles south-southeast of Cabo Corrientes.
Forecasters predict Simon will rapidly intensify and could reach Category 4 status, with sustained winds between 130-156 mph, before making landfall. The storm is expected to turn northward by early Saturday, nearing the coast.
Coastal areas could experience tropical storm conditions as early as Friday. The hurricane is also projected to bring torrential rainfall, potentially causing flooding and mudslides. Southwestern Mexico may receive between 8 to 15 inches of rain, with isolated areas possibly experiencing up to 25 inches.