Hurricane Simon Strengthens to Category 4 Off Mexico

Hurricane Simon strengthened to a Category 4 storm off western Mexico on October 10, 2026, with maximum sustained winds of 240 km per hour. At 09:00 local time, the storm was centered 185 kilometers south-southwest of Manzanillo, moving slowly north toward the coast with a minimum central pressure of 938 hPa.

Its winds intensified rapidly through the morning. The storm's power held steady into the afternoon, posing a severe threat to coastal communities. An eyewall replacement cycle was observed overnight, and forecasters noted the hurricane could briefly strengthen further before landfall.

Warnings issued for wind, surge, and rainfall hazards

A Hurricane Warning was activated from Punta San Telmo to El Roblito, including Las Islas Marías. A Tropical Storm Watch remained for areas east of Punta San Telmo to Lázaro Cárdenas. Tropical storm conditions were expected during the afternoon of October 10, with hurricane conditions forecast for the southern warning area early on October 11.

Philippe Papin, a senior hurricane specialist, said catastrophic wind and life-threatening storm surge impacts were expected along the west-central coast. Preparations to protect life and property were urged for completion on October 10.

A dangerous storm surge with large, destructive waves was predicted near and east of where Simon makes landfall. Swells were already generating life-threatening surf and rip currents along southwestern Mexico.

Extreme rainfall was a primary concern. Forecasts from the US National Hurricane Center and Mexico's Servicio Meteorológico Nacional predicted torrential downpours through October 11.

The SMN also forecast wind gusts of 120-130 km/h and waves of 6-8 meters along the Jalisco and Colima coasts.

Impacts begin: flooding, closures, and preventive actions

Authorities across southwestern Mexico enacted preventive measures as life-threatening flooding and mudslides were forecast for higher terrain. The government suspended classes in 22 coastal municipalities in Jalisco. In Colima, beaches in Tecomán, Armería, and Manzanillo were closed due to dangerous waves and currents.

Preventive patrols were increased in vulnerable coastal and river areas. As a safety measure, the Port of Manzanillo was closed to navigation by small vessels from 18:00 local time on October 9.

Confirmed casualties and missing persons reported

Hurricane Simon was linked to at least one confirmed death in Guerrero. Governor Evelyn Salgado confirmed that a 71-year-old man, Albino Moreno Jimenez, died after a retaining wall collapsed under intense rain on the outskirts of Chilpancingo. He had been feeding his animals at the time.

Separately, in Baja California, authorities reported missing persons connected to the earlier tropical storm Rachel. Accounts differed on the exact numbers. One report stated at least ten people remained missing, with eight in Ensenada and two in San Felipe. Another report cited a higher toll of two deaths and eleven missing in Baja California from Rachel's effects.

Storm weakens but risks persist inland

Hurricane Simon later weakened from Category 4 to Category 2 as it began interacting with Mexico's mountainous terrain. Its maximum sustained winds decreased to around 155 km per hour when its center was about 115 kilometers west-southwest of Cabo Corrientes. The storm was described as causing flooding in several coastal villages without making a definitive landfall or causing major destruction.

The official forecast track brought the hurricane inland over Jalisco within 24 to 36 hours. While wind threats were expected to diminish, the National Hurricane Center forecast Simon to remain a hurricane until midweek. The agency stressed that flooding risks would persist as the storm moved inland over the mountains, with isolated heavy rain continuing through October 11.