Hurricane Simon strengthens to Category 4 off Mexico’s Pacific coast

By Reuters and The Associated Press. Published On 10 Oct 202610 Oct 2026.

Key points

• The hurricane could bring 10 to 20 inches (25 to 51cm) of rain to parts of southwestern Mexico through Sunday.
• According to The US National Hurricane Center, simon was anticipated to approach or move just inland of Mexico's west-central coast late on Saturday or early Sunday.
• Jalisco suspended classes on Friday and Monday in 22 coastal municipalities and began evacuating individuals from at-risk areas.
• The hurricane centre additionally cautioned of a dangerous storm surge and sizeable and destructive waves near where Simon makes landfall.
• "This rainfall will produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain, " the agency cautioned, urging residents to complete preparations to protect lives and property.

Hurricane Simon has strengthened into a powerful Category 4 storm off Mexico's Pacific coast, packing winds of up to 241km/h (150mph) as it threatens to bring destructive winds, storm surges and life-threatening flooding to southwestern Mexico.

According to The US National Hurricane Center, simon was anticipated to approach or move just inland of Mexico's west-central coast late on Saturday or early Sunday. The storm was regarding 115 miles (185km) south-southwest of Manzanillo, with further strengthening feasible before landfall.

For context, the hurricane could bring 10 to 20 inches (25 to 51cm) of rain to parts of southwestern Mexico through Sunday.

Authorities issued a hurricane warning for parts of the Pacific coast south of the resort city of Puerto Vallarta, including the area around Manzanillo, the country's largest Pacific port. A tropical storm watch was in effect farther south towards Lazaro Cardenas.

Jalisco suspended classes on Friday and Monday in 22 coastal municipalities and began evacuating individuals from at-risk areas. Authorities additionally pressed hotels and other tourism businesses in Puerto Vallarta to ensure workers and visitors had access to shelters or safe locations.

Businesses in the popular tourist destination boarded up windows and placed sandbags at entrances as the storm approached.

For context, the hurricane centre additionally cautioned of a dangerous storm surge and sizeable and destructive waves near where Simon makes landfall.

In short, hurricane Simon strengthens to Category 4 off Mexico's Pacific coast is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.