Hurricane Simon strengthened to Category 4 on Saturday as it moved north toward Mexico’s Pacific coast, with authorities warning residents to complete preparations before dangerous conditions arrive.
The National Hurricane Center said Simon had maximum sustained winds of 130 knots, or 150 mph, at 11 a.m. Central Daylight Time on October 10, 2026.
The hurricane was located about 205 kilometres south of Manzanillo, Colima, and was moving north at roughly 6 km/h.
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Hurricane Simon forecast and warnings
A hurricane warning was in effect from Punta San Telmo in Michoacán to Punta Mita in Nayarit, an area that includes parts of Colima and Jalisco.
The warning zone covers coastal communities near Manzanillo, Cihuatlán, La Huerta, Tomatlán, Cabo Corrientes and Puerto Vallarta.
Mexico’s National Civil Protection Coordination urged people in coastal and high-risk areas to shelter in safe locations or move to temporary refuges.
Officials also scheduled a joint public message involving federal, state and municipal authorities as Simon approached the coast.
| Latest reported detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Storm classification | Category 4 hurricane |
| Maximum sustained winds | 150 mph or 240 km/h |
| Central pressure | 938 millibars |
| Location at 11 a.m. CDT | About 205 km south of Manzanillo |
| Movement | North at about 6 km/h |
Flooding and mudslide threat
The National Hurricane Center forecast 10 to 20 inches of rain in parts of southwestern Mexico, with isolated totals of up to 30 inches possible in Michoacán, Colima, Jalisco and Nayarit.
That rainfall could trigger life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain and areas where rivers and streams rise quickly.
Mexico’s weather authorities warned of extraordinary rainfall in Colima and torrential rainfall along parts of the Jalisco and Michoacán coasts.
Authorities also forecast wind gusts of 120 to 130 km/h and waves between six and eight metres along parts of the Jalisco and Colima coastline.
Storm surge and destructive waves could affect areas near where Simon moves ashore, while large swells may create dangerous surf and rip currents well beyond the immediate landfall zone.
Simon’s expected landfall timeline
Forecast guidance showed Simon continuing northward near the west-central coast before moving inland over Mexico late Saturday or early Sunday.
The National Hurricane Center expected the hurricane to remain a major system as it neared the coast, although its exact landfall location and intensity could still change.
Once inland, Simon is forecast to weaken rapidly, but heavy rain and flooding hazards could continue after the strongest winds subside.
Residents should rely on local government instructions rather than waiting for the storm’s centre to reach land, because dangerous rain, surf and wind can arrive well before landfall.
Officials urge residents to shelter
Mexico’s federal government said emergency agencies, including civil protection, defence, marine and infrastructure authorities, were maintaining an operational deployment along the affected coast.
Residents in vulnerable coastal, river and hillside locations were advised to leave early for designated shelters or another secure location.
People remaining in the warning area should secure loose outdoor objects, avoid flooded roads and stay away from beaches, rivers, streams and low-lying areas.
Travel conditions may change quickly as authorities close roads, ports, beaches or other facilities in response to wind, flooding and high waves.
What happens next
Forecasters will continue to monitor Simon’s track, intensity and potential landfall through the weekend.
The most immediate risks are catastrophic hurricane-force winds near the core, storm surge along the coast, extreme rainfall inland and mudslides in mountainous areas.
For Canadians travelling in western Mexico, local emergency alerts and consular guidance should take priority over travel plans until the warnings are lifted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What category is Hurricane Simon?
Hurricane Simon reached Category 4 strength on October 10, 2026, with maximum sustained winds of about 150 mph.
Where is Hurricane Simon headed?
Simon is moving north toward Mexico’s west-central Pacific coast, with warnings covering areas from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita.
When could Hurricane Simon make landfall?
The storm was expected to approach the coast late Saturday or early Sunday, although the precise landfall location could change.
Which Mexican states face the greatest risk?
Colima, Jalisco and Michoacán face the greatest immediate threats from hurricane winds, extreme rainfall, storm surge and dangerous waves.
What should people in the warning area do?
Residents should follow local evacuation and shelter instructions, avoid flooded areas and coastal waters, and complete preparations before conditions worsen.
Fact-Checked: Key storm intensity, location, warnings and forecast hazards were checked against National Hurricane Center advisories and Mexican government emergency updates. ([nhc.noaa.gov](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/mobile/text/refresh/MIATCMEP5%2Bhtml/430222.shtml?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: Storm tracks and warnings can change quickly, so readers should follow the latest instructions from Mexican authorities and local emergency officials.