Hurricane Simon has brought powerful winds and torrential rain to Mexico’s Pacific coast, prompting President Claudia Sheinbaum to urge residents in Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit and Michoacan to remain indoors.
The Category 4 storm had winds of at least 240km/h as its eye moved offshore from Jalisco on Sunday. Authorities warned that coastal and mountainous communities faced dangerous conditions, including mudslides and flooding.
“With the approaching impact of Category 4 Hurricane Simon, we urge residents of coastal municipalities in Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit and Michoacan to remain sheltered until authorities officially declare that the danger has passed,” Ms Sheinbaum wrote on X.
The US National Hurricane Center said Simon could bring a further 20 to 41cm of rain across parts of south-western Mexico. Totals of up to 76cm were possible in areas of Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco until Monday.
It remained unclear whether the hurricane would make landfall, but Cabo Corrientes, a town on a cape in Jalisco that juts into the Pacific, was considered to face the greatest risk of a direct hit.
Hurricane Simon prompts evacuations and highest cyclone alert
Mexico’s National Civil Protection Coordination placed 28 municipalities in Jalisco and Colima under its highest cyclone alert. A further 93 municipalities were placed under a high alert.
Classes were suspended in affected areas and evacuation efforts were under way. In tourist destinations including Puerto Vallarta, businesses boarded up windows and placed sandbags at entrances.
Jalisco governor Pablo Navarro said the hurricane was creating “high-risk marine conditions” along the state’s coast, with waves reaching up to eight metres.
He also shared video showing storm surge crashing over pavements and flooding waterways. “I ask everyone to heed official instructions, take precautions and avoid putting themselves at risk. The safety of Jalisco’s families is the top priority,” he said.
