Hurricane Simon strengthens to Category 4 storm near western Mexico

Hurricane Simon strengthened into a Category 4 storm as it approached the coast of west-central Mexico, Phys.org reported. The U.S. National Hurricane Center indicated that the storm was expected to make landfall or skirt the Pacific coastline on Sunday. [1]

The storm carries maximum sustained wind speeds of 155 miles per hour, or 249 kilometers per hour, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Weather forecasters expected fluctuations in strength until the core of the hurricane reached the shore. [1]

The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned that significant or catastrophic wind, storm surges, and heavy rainfall were likely over parts of west-central Mexico. These severe weather conditions were projected to begin on Saturday night and continue into Sunday. [1]

Mexican authorities urged coastal residents to remain indoors as the storm approached. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum issued warnings for populations along the Pacific coast to take precautions against incoming floods and damaging winds, Reuters reported. [5]