Hurricane Simon Intensifies as Threat Looms Over Mexico’s Pacific Coast
Hurricane Simon strengthens, threatening Jalisco and Puerto Vallarta. U.S. forecasters warn of Category 4 conditions and heavy rains.
POLICY WIRE — Mexico City, Mexico — Hurricane Simon is intensifying as it heads toward the Pacific coast of Mexico, with forecasts predicting it will reach Category 4 strength before making landfall. The storm is expected to impact Jalisco and the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that Simon, a Category 1 hurricane, had sustained winds of 150 kph (90 mph) early Friday. It is moving northwest at 7 kph (5 mph) and is expected to strengthen rapidly, becoming a Category 4 storm before hitting the coast. Officials have issued warnings for parts of the central and southwest coast, where hurricane-force winds are anticipated within 36 hours.
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State authorities in Jalisco have suspended classes in 22 coastal municipalities and begun evacuating residents from high-risk areas. They have also asked the tourism sector in Puerto Vallarta to ensure workers and visitors are safely accommodated in shelters or safe zones by Friday afternoon. The governor urged the public to remain vigilant due to the storm’s unpredictable path and warned of heavy rainfall leading to flooding and mudslides.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
