Mexico: Simon packs 155 mph winds as flood threat grows
The NHC placed the hurricane near Manzanillo with sustained winds of 155 mph. Warnings cover destructive winds, storm surge, flooding and landslides.
Hurricane Simon remained extremely powerful in the eastern Pacific on the morning of Sunday 11 October near Mexico's west coast. Reuters, citing the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), reported maximum sustained winds of 155 mph, or about 249 km/h.
The system's centre was about 60 miles, or 97 kilometres, west-southwest of Manzanillo. That intensity corresponds to a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale and is just below the Category 5 threshold.
The forecast and areas at risk
According to the latest forecast reported by Reuters, the system was expected to move very close to Mexico's west-central coast on Monday. ERT News also reported the Category 4 intensity and the warning of destructive flooding.
Official NHC warnings and bulletins cover parts of the Pacific coast around Manzanillo. Heavy rain could cause flash floods and landslides in Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco, especially in mountainous areas. Dangerous surf and storm surge also threaten coastal zones.
What is confirmed and what is not
The category, location and wind speed are observations and estimates for a particular advisory time and may change with every update. A forecast that the centre will pass close to the coast does not amount to confirmation of landfall at a specific location.
The available sources confirm the immediate hazard and preventive measures, not a final toll of damage or casualties. Residents and travellers in affected areas should follow the latest guidance from Mexican authorities and the NHC.
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