Hurricane Simon Prompts Travel Warning for Mexican Resorts
The Foreign Office advises against travel to coastal areas including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara due to the threat of severe flooding, landslides, and high winds.
British holidaymakers have been warned by the Foreign Office against all but essential travel to popular Mexican coastal resorts, including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, as Hurricane Simon approaches with winds of 155 mph. The storm is forecast to make landfall around Manzanillo on Sunday, October 11, 2026, and move through Jalisco state, potentially causing life-threatening flooding, landslides, and dangerous ocean conditions.
Local authorities are preparing for the impact, with shops in Puerto Vallarta being boarded up and evacuations underway, including by the Mexican navy. Jalisco state has suspended school classes in 22 coastal municipalities and will keep them closed until after Monday.
Tourists already in Mexico have been advised to seek shelter, and local businesses have been asked to ensure workers and visitors are accommodated in safe zones. Hurricane Simon is currently just off the coast of Mexico and is expected to intensify as it moves inland. The storm could bring significant rainfall to southwestern Mexico, with some areas in Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco anticipating up to 30 inches of rain.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale indicates that Hurricane Simon is just below Category Five strength. Despite the risks associated with hurricane season in Mexico, autumn remains a popular time for tourists. Local resident Jesus Gomez expressed hope that the storm would not directly impact the area, stating they would close and take shelter if advised by Civil Protection officials. Canadian tourist Ed Currie, on vacation with his wife, said the hurricane had not yet altered their plans, with the couple intending to stay in their hotel.
