Category 4 Hurricane Simon Parallels Mexico's Pacific Coast with Heavy Rain and Wind Threats

Hurricane Simon moved parallel to Mexico's Pacific coast as a Category 4 storm on Sunday, October 11, 2026, with maximum sustained winds reaching 155 mph, just below Category 5 strength. The National Hurricane Center warned of catastrophic wind, life-threatening storm surge and heavy rainfall capable of causing flooding and mudslides along the west-central coast.

As of late Sunday the centre was located about 50 miles south of Cabo Corrientes and 110 miles west-northwest of Manzanillo. Simon was moving slowly northwest at about 5 mph. Forecasters said the track would keep it near the coast overnight before moving slightly farther offshore on Monday, then possibly turning back toward land later in the week. Some models kept the centre just offshore while others brought it inland.

A hurricane warning covered the coast from Punta San Telmo to El Roblito, including the port of Manzanillo and areas near Puerto Vallarta. Additional rainfall of 10 to 20 inches was expected over southwestern Mexico, with isolated totals up to 30 inches possible in parts of Michoacán, Colima and Jalisco. The rain was forecast to produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides in steep terrain.

Mexican authorities suspended non-essential activities in coastal municipalities of Jalisco and evacuated families from communities such as Yelapa and Quimixto by ferry. The Port of Manzanillo shut down. Classes were cancelled in coastal areas. One person was killed in Chilpancingo when a stone wall collapsed onto a home. In Acapulco, power poles and trees were downed, and some houses flooded. Tens of thousands of customers lost electricity in Guerrero.

Simon formed on October 7 from a low-pressure area south of Mexico. It intensified rapidly into a major hurricane. Its slow forward speed increased the duration of heavy rain and high winds over coastal communities. Swells of up to 30 feet were expected, creating dangerous surf and rip currents.

The storm is the eleventh hurricane and ninth major hurricane of an active 2026 Pacific season. Even without a direct landfall, the outer bands were expected to bring severe effects. Mexican meteorological officials said the intense part of the cyclone would still affect the coast regardless of whether the eye came ashore.

For coastal residents and tourists in Jalisco, Colima and Michoacán, the immediate risks are wind damage, storm surge flooding and landslides. Recovery will depend on how much rain falls and whether the centre stays offshore or turns inland. The slow movement means the threat will persist into the coming days as Simon continues its track near the coast.