Hurricane Simon Pounds Mexico Coast as Category 2 Storm
- 12, 2026, while continuing to pound west-central Mexico with sustained winds of 105 mph and heavy rains, cbsnews.com reported.
- The system was moving slowly westward about 60 miles west-southwest of Cabo Corrientes with tropical-storm-force winds reaching up to 60 miles out, according to forecasters.
- Simon had been weakening gradually from major Category 3 status after dropping below the 111 mph wind threshold, cbsnews.com reported.
Hurricane Simon weakened to a Category 2 storm on Oct. 12, 2026, while continuing to pound west-central Mexico with sustained winds of 105 mph and heavy rains, cbsnews.com reported. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned that the storm threatens coastal areas with flooding rain, life-threatening storm surges, and mudslides as its center remains just offshore near Puerto Vallarta.
The system was moving slowly westward about 60 miles west-southwest of Cabo Corrientes with tropical-storm-force winds reaching up to 60 miles out, according to forecasters. Authorities in Jalisco suspended classes in 22 coastal municipalities, began evacuations, and dispatched National Guard patrols to urge residents and tourists to seek shelter. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged citizens in Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit, and Michoacán to remain sheltered and avoid travel.
Storm Path and Intensity Changes off Mexico’s Coast
Simon had been weakening gradually from major Category 3 status after dropping below the 111 mph wind threshold, cbsnews.com reported. Senior hurricane center specialist Philippe Papin stated that the westernmost tip of mainland Mexico faced the highest probability of a direct hit near Cabo Corrientes at the southern tip of Bahia de Banderas. Forecasters projected that the storm would change directions mid-week, approaching west-central Mexico again on Wednesday or Thursday before weakening rapidly inland.
Evacuations and Tourist Disruptions in Puerto Vallarta
While local authorities evacuated vulnerable communities and urged hotels to secure workers and guests, some tourists arriving from Guadalajara for vacations expressed surprise and a lack of preparation. Hotel worker Víctor Martínez noted that residents were taking precautions more seriously than during a past 2002 hurricane strike.
Rainfall Projections and Inland Flooding Risks
CBS News and Stations meteorologist Nikki Nolan noted that Simon is also expected to bring 3 to 5 inches of rain or more to the U.S. Southern Plains from Tuesday afternoon through Friday morning.