Hurricane Simon lingers off Mexico as Manzanillo flooding persists
Hurricane Simon stayed offshore west-central Mexico on October 12, 2026, as a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 185 km/h and a central pressure of 958 hPa. Heavy rainfall from the storm flooded homes and streets in Manzanillo, prompting alerts across Jalisco and Colima. The National Hurricane Center warned that winds, storm surge, and more rain could worsen coastal flooding, while airports in Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo faced closures.
Simon held Category 3 strength early on Oct. 12, 2026, while positioned off west-central Mexico. Its top sustained winds were 185 km/h and central pressure 958 hPa. The storm was drifting northwest at 7 km/h, about 235 km west-northwest of Manzanillo and 75 km southwest of Cabo Corrientes. Hurricane-force winds reached 30 km from center; tropical-storm-force winds extended 95 km.
Warnings covered Playa Pérula to El Roblito and Las Islas Marías, with a watch farther north to Bahía Tempehuaya. In Jalisco and Colima, 28 municipalities faced the top cyclone alert and 93 a high alert. Puerto Vallarta airport was set to stay shut until 08:00 LT Oct. 13; Manzanillo until 08:00 LT Oct. 12.
The storm could disrupt daily life for residents of Manzanillo and nearby coastal communities, especially those already dealing with flooded homes and streets. Airport closures may strand travelers and complicate relief logistics. Emergency crews and shelters could face added strain if rainfall, surge, or winds intensify. People in steep terrain may remain at risk from mudslides and further flooding, while authorities’ alerts could help guide evacuations and safety measures.