Hurricane Simon skirts Mexico’s Pacific coast as beachside communities and tourist areas prepare for impact

Hurricane Simon Skirts Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Triggering Alerts

Healfromzero.com – Hurricane Simon skirts Mexico’s Pacific coast as communities and tourist areas brace for dangerous winds, heavy rain, high surf and possible storm surge. The Category 4 storm remained offshore Sunday, but its proximity prompted evacuations, shelter measures and airport closures in parts of western Mexico.

In the 1 p.m. ET advisory, the US National Hurricane Center said Simon had sustained winds of 140 mph and was moving north-northwest at 7 mph. The hurricane was about 85 miles west-northwest of Manzanillo, Colima, and roughly 65 miles south-southeast of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco.

Forecasts initially suggested Simon could make landfall Sunday, but the storm shifted course. It was expected to remain offshore through Monday, though officials warned that its future path remained uncertain and could still bring serious coastal impacts.

Airport Closures and Coastal Warnings

Puerto Vallarta’s international airport suspended operations as the hurricane moved near the Bahía de Banderas resort area. The Pacific Airport Group said the airport would remain closed until 10 a.m. ET Monday, while air service in Manzanillo was also halted for the day.

Police closed access to Puerto Vallarta’s boardwalk and urged visitors to stay indoors. Officials warned that coastal conditions can worsen quickly, even when rain or wind temporarily appears to ease.

“We don’t know the extent of the danger yet. We’re just starting to see what’s going on.”

Mexico’s Civil Protection Agency cautioned residents not to mistake a brief lull for the end of the storm. Hurricane Simon skirts Mexico’s Pacific coastline closely enough that hazardous surf, wind and rain could extend well beyond the storm’s center.

Four States Remain on Alert

President Claudia Sheinbaum called on residents of Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán and Nayarit to remain sheltered until authorities say conditions are safe. Nonessential activities were suspended in affected areas as precautionary evacuations and emergency preparations continued.

Laura Velázquez Alzúa, Mexico’s national Civil Protection coordinator, said the hurricane remained extremely close to the country despite staying offshore. Northern Jalisco faced particular concern for strong winds, large waves and storm surge through Monday.

“We ask that you remain vigilant.”

Dr. Jorge Zavala, a climate scientist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said Simon’s projected route could affect several states. The combination of intense rainfall, rough seas and winds can flood streets, damage homes and make beaches, marinas and coastal roads unsafe.

Flooding Reported in Manzanillo

Heavy rain caused flooding in Manzanillo before the hurricane reached its closest point to shore. Navy personnel helped residents pump water from flooded homes, while emergency crews worked in other affected locations.

Cecilia Palomar, a Manzanillo resident, described rapidly rising water inside her home.

“It had risen before, but not like this. Beds, refrigerators, heaters, all the furniture got wet, the whole house is flooded.”

Federal teams also worked to restore electricity in areas including Acapulco, the Guerrero coastal city devastated three years earlier by Hurricane Otis. Mexico’s response included more than 4,600 Navy personnel, excavators and other emergency equipment.

Why an Offshore Hurricane Still Poses a Threat

Even without landfall, Hurricane Simon skirts Mexico’s Pacific coast with enough force to push dangerous waves toward beaches and low-lying areas. Outer rain bands can trigger flash flooding far from the eye, while strong onshore winds can worsen storm surge and coastal erosion.

Residents and visitors in warned areas should avoid beaches and floodwaters, follow local emergency instructions, monitor official weather updates and remain indoors until authorities lift restrictions. Conditions may change quickly while the hurricane remains near the coast.

FAQ: Hurricane Simon and Mexico’s Pacific Coast

Which areas are under the greatest concern?

Authorities urged people in Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán and Nayarit to remain alert. Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo and nearby coastal communities faced risks from rain, wind, high surf and flooding.

Should travelers go to the beach or airport?

Travelers should avoid beaches, boardwalks and other exposed shoreline areas while warnings remain active. Puerto Vallarta’s airport suspended operations until 10 a.m. ET Monday, and Manzanillo air service was also suspended for the day.

What should residents do during the storm?

Stay sheltered, avoid driving through floodwaters, keep away from the shore and follow instructions from Civil Protection officials. Hurricane Simon skirts Mexico’s Pacific coast offshore, but its impacts can still be severe in communities well away from the storm’s center.