Hurricane Simon strengthened into a Category 2 storm in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, October 9, 2026, and is forecast to approach the Mexican coast as a major hurricane this weekend. The National Hurricane Center reported that the storm's maximum sustained winds increased to nearly 100 mph, with rapid strengthening expected through Saturday.
U.S. forecasters issued a hurricane warning for portions of the central and southwest coast of Mexico, where hurricane-force winds are anticipated within 36 hours. As of Friday afternoon, the storm was centered approximately 210 miles south of Manzanillo and 310 miles south-southeast of Cabo Corrientes. Heavy rainfall is expected across the states of Jalisco, Michoacán, Colima, and Nayarit.
In response to the storm's trajectory, the state of Jalisco suspended classes in 22 coastal municipalities for Friday and the following Monday. Civil protection authorities began evacuating dozens of people from at-risk areas and instructed the tourism sector in Puerto Vallarta to ensure visitors and workers are in shelters or safe zones by Friday afternoon. The state of Guerrero also suspended classes and non-essential activities due to heavy rains that flooded parts of Acapulco.
Forecasters have warned that the rainfall, which has already turned some streets into rivers in Acapulco and swept away vehicles, poses a life-threatening risk of mudslides and flooding. The National Hurricane Center forecast that Simon will intensify into a major hurricane—defined as Category 3 or higher—by late Friday or Saturday. The U.S. Embassy has advised travelers and citizens in the region to avoid entering the water or walking on beaches and to follow local emergency orders. This storm is part of an above-average Pacific season attributed to a strong El Niño.
Hurricane Simon is forecast to reach major hurricane strength by late Friday and strengthen further on Saturday, October 10. Heavy rains are expected to persist through Monday, October 12, across the coast of Jalisco. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Rachel is expected to reach Baja California, northwestern Mexico and Southern California this weekend, though it is forecast to weaken. In the Atlantic, Hurricane Isaias was projected to make landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast late Friday or Saturday. Officials in Jalisco have urged the public to monitor the behavior of the storm as it moves between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta.