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

Hurricane Simon Skirts Mexico’s Pacific Coast

Activelifezero.com – Hurricane Simon skirts Mexico’s Pacific coast as beach communities, resort areas and nearby cities prepare for dangerous winds, heavy rain, high surf and coastal flooding. The Category 4 storm remained offshore Sunday, but Mexican authorities warned that its position over water did not eliminate the threat to people along the shoreline.

Simon shifted course after earlier forecasts suggested it could make landfall Sunday. It was moving north-northwest parallel to the coast and was expected to remain over water through Monday, though forecasters said uncertainty remained over whether the hurricane could later turn inland or continue offshore.

At 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Hurricane Simon had sustained winds of 140 mph and was moving at 7 mph. The storm was about 85 miles west-northwest of Manzanillo, Colima, and around 65 miles south-southeast of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco.

Officials urge coastal communities to stay sheltered

Laura Velázquez Alzúa, Mexico’s national Civil Protection coordinator, called on residents and visitors to remain alert as conditions changed along the Pacific coast.

“We ask that you remain vigilant,” Velázquez said.

Strong winds, large waves and storm surge were expected through Monday, with northern Jalisco among the areas of particular concern. Jorge Zavala, a climate scientist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said Simon’s projected path left several possible impact zones exposed.

President Claudia Sheinbaum urged people in Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán and Nayarit to remain in protected locations until authorities declare the danger over. Civil Protection officials also warned that a sudden lull in rain or wind can create a false sense of safety when a hurricane is nearby.

“The wind and rain will suddenly and deceptively subside, creating an apparent calm that does not mean the danger has passed,” the agency said.

Nonessential activities were suspended in affected areas, and precautionary evacuations continued. Travelers in resort communities were urged to follow local instructions because beach access, roads and essential services can change quickly as the storm moves along the coast.

Airport closures affect Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo

Hurricane Simon skirts Mexico’s Pacific coastline near major tourist destinations, disrupting air travel in Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. Puerto Vallarta’s international airport closed as the storm approached, with the Pacific Airport Group saying operations would remain suspended until 10 a.m. ET Monday.

Flights at Manzanillo’s airport were also halted Sunday. Along Puerto Vallarta’s boardwalk, police directed tourists away from the closed waterfront and urged them to seek shelter.

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

Authorities advised residents and visitors to avoid beaches, boardwalks and flooded roads. Even without a direct landfall, outer rain bands can bring dangerous surf, strong winds and flash flooding far from a hurricane’s center.

Flooding and power damage prompt emergency response

Mexico’s Navy deployed more than 4,600 personnel, along with excavation equipment, heavy machinery and other emergency resources. The response was intended to support communities dealing with flooding, debris and possible infrastructure damage.

Rainfall linked to Simon had already caused problems before any possible landfall. Federal crews worked to restore electricity in several locations, including Acapulco in Guerrero, a city devastated by Hurricane Otis three years earlier.

In Manzanillo, Navy personnel helped pump water from flooded homes. Resident Cecilia Palomar said water rose quickly inside her house beginning at dawn.

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

The storm demonstrates how a powerful offshore hurricane can still cause major disruption. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, storm surge can affect low-lying areas and powerful waves can make coastal zones hazardous well before the hurricane’s closest approach.

FAQ: Hurricane Simon and Mexico’s Pacific coast

Which Mexican states are under the greatest concern?

Authorities urged people in Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán and Nayarit to remain in protected locations and monitor official emergency updates.

Should visitors stay away from beaches and waterfronts?

Yes. Officials advised people to avoid beaches, boardwalks and other exposed coastal areas because high waves, strong winds and sudden flooding can become dangerous even while the storm remains offshore.

Are flights operating in Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo?

Puerto Vallarta’s airport suspended operations until 10 a.m. ET Monday, while flights at Manzanillo’s airport were halted Sunday. Travelers should check directly with airlines and airport authorities for updated schedules.

Why is Hurricane Simon dangerous if it does not make landfall?

Hurricane Simon can still bring heavy rain, storm surge, large waves and damaging winds to Mexico’s Pacific coast. Offshore storms can cause flooding and transport disruptions across a wide area without their center crossing land.