Hurricane Simon remained an active Category 2 storm off Mexico’s Pacific coast on 12 October, with warnings and watches still in place for parts of west-central Mexico. The National Hurricane Center said Simon was located approximately 95 kilometres west-southwest of Cabo Corrientes and 335 kilometres south of Mazatlán, with maximum sustained winds of 165km/h. The hurricane was moving slowly westward at around 4km/h.
A hurricane warning is currently in effect for Las Islas Marías, while a hurricane watch covers the area north of Cabo Corrientes to Bahía Tempehuaya. A tropical storm warning remains in place between Playa Pérula and Cabo Corrientes.
The storm is expected to turn gradually towards the northeast and approach the west-central coast later in the week. The National Hurricane Center warned of further heavy rainfall, dangerous surf, rip currents, flooding and mudslides. Isolated rainfall totals of up to 30 inches are possible in parts of Michoacán, Colima and Jalisco.
Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico’s most important Pacific tourism destinations, has been among the areas affected by the storm preparations. Local authorities previously asked hotels and tourism businesses to ensure that visitors and employees had access to shelters or secure locations. Beaches, marine excursions and other coastal activities have also faced dangerous conditions.
Air travel has also been disrupted. Puerto Vallarta airport suspended operations during the weekend, while flights at Manzanillo were also affected as Simon approached the coast. Delta Air Lines issued a travel waiver covering Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, allowing affected passengers to rebook flights without a change fee under certain conditions.
Travellers in the region are being advised to monitor airline and airport updates, avoid beaches and boating, and follow instructions from local authorities. Although Simon’s exact path remains subject to change, its slow movement means that heavy rain and hazardous coastal conditions could continue for several days.
