Simon strengthens into a Category 4 hurricane as it approaches Mexico’s coast
Hurricane Simon has intensified into a Category 4 storm, bringing catastrophic wind and storm-surge threats to Mexico's Pacific coast. The storm has pounded resorts and towns, specifically closing in on the Puerto Vallarta area with damaging rain and winds continuing through Monday morning. While some reports indicate the storm remained offshore after a track shift on Sunday, other sources state it lashed the coast with severe weather on Monday. Simon is part of a rare pattern of simultaneous tropical systems targeting both the Gulf and West coasts of Mexico.
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- ✓ Hurricane Simon strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane.
- ✓ The storm targeted Mexico's Pacific coast with threats of catastrophic wind and storm surge.
- ✓ Simon's center swirled parallel to the coast near Puerto Vallarta.
- ✓ Tropical Storm Rachel and Hurricane Simon both targeted Mexico.
What changed
Simon reached Category 4 strength and shifted its track, affecting the Puerto Vallarta region.
Live updates
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Category 4 Hurricane Simon Lashes Mexico's Pacific Coast
Hurricane Simon has intensified into a Category 4 storm, bringing catastrophic wind and storm-surge threats to Mexico's Pacific coast. The storm has pounded resorts and towns, specifically closing in on the Puerto Vallarta area with damaging rain and winds continuing through Monday morning. While some reports indicate the storm remained offshore after a track shift on Sunday, other sources state it lashed the coast with severe weather on Monday. Simon is part of a rare pattern of simultaneous tropical systems targeting both the Gulf and West coasts of Mexico.
Why it matters
El Niño and other factors have led to record activity for big, long-lasting storms in the central and eastern Pacific region. Simon's arrival coincided with Tropical Storm Rachel and Hurricane Isaias, which hit the Gulf.
What is confirmed
- Hurricane Simon strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane.
- The storm targeted Mexico's Pacific coast with threats of catastrophic wind and storm surge.
- Simon's center swirled parallel to the coast near Puerto Vallarta.
- Tropical Storm Rachel and Hurricane Simon both targeted Mexico.
Still unconfirmed
- Hurricane Simon shifted track on Sunday and was forecast to skirt the coast without making landfall.
- Hurricane Simon lashed the coast on Monday and threatened landfall later in the week.
- Simon could hit Jalisco or Colima as a major hurricane.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of whether Simon makes landfall or remains offshore.
- Official casualty counts from the storms in Mexico.
- Updated track forecasts from the National Hurricane Center.
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (38)
- www.yahoo.com — Yahoo
- abcnews.com — ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
- The New York Times — Maps: Tracking Hurricane Simon
- AP News — Hurricane Simon forecast to get much stronger as it heads to Mexico’s Pacific coast
- Reuters — Hurricane Simon quickly intensifies off Mexico's Pacific coast
- Mexico News Daily — Simon, strengthening rapidly, could hit Jalisco or Colima as a major hurricane this weekend
- AP News — Simon strengthens into a Category 4 hurricane as it approaches Mexico’s coast
- ABC7 Los Angeles — Hurricane Simon strengthens into a Category 4 as it approaches Mexico's coast
- FOX Weather — Rare tale of two coasts unfolds as tropical systems target the Gulf and the West Coast
- KMPH Fox 26 — Hurricane Simon and Tropical Storm Rachel will both slam into Mexico Saturday night
- Sky News — Hurricane Isaias makes landfall in US as another powerful storm barrels towards Mexico
- The New York Times — Hurricane Simon and Tropical Storm Rachel Target Mexico as Isaias Hits Gulf
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