Hurricane Simon Damages Mexico Pacific Coast as Five Die

Hurricane Simon and Tropical Storm Rachel caused five deaths, flooding and infrastructure damage along Mexico’s Pacific coast as Simon remained offshore and brought strong winds and heavy rain to western communities, according to Mexican authorities and the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

Simon weakened while moving near the coast, but its rain bands affected areas between the Sierra Madre and the Pacific Ocean. The storm damaged homes, roads, trees and power lines in several coastal states, officials said.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Simon had sustained winds near 90 mph and warned additional rainfall could trigger dangerous flooding and mudslides. Forecasts showed some areas could receive up to 15 inches of rain.

Mexico’s Civil Protection authorities reported one death in Guerrero after a wall collapsed in Chilpancingo. Guerrero Gov. Evelyn Salgado said the storm also damaged infrastructure and homes in coastal towns, including Acapulco.

President Claudia Sheinbaum said the damage in affected areas was limited compared with initial expectations.

"The place where there may have been greater damage, although it was not as expected, is Guerrero. There was some damage in Colima, and the effects of Tropical Storm Rachel in Baja California, where there were greater impacts," said Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico.

Authorities continued monitoring coastal communities as Simon produced high waves and storm surge risks. Laura Velázquez Alzúa, national coordinator of Mexico’s Civil Protection Agency, described the storm’s proximity to the coast.

"Very close to the Mexican coast," said Laura Velázquez Alzúa, national coordinator of Mexico’s Civil Protection Agency.

Sheinbaum had urged residents in Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán and Nayarit to remain sheltered until officials declared the danger had passed.

"Until an official announcement that the danger has passed," said Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico.

In Baja California, Tropical Storm Rachel’s remnants caused deadly flooding in Ensenada. Rescuers recovered four bodies, including a 13-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy, while several people remained missing, according to state officials.

"We heard a loud noise that sounded like ocean waves, but really loud," said Johana Nuriulu, Ensenada resident.

Nuriulu said floodwaters from an overflowing stream swept through neighborhoods, damaging homes and moving vehicles and belongings.

"Everything was being dragged away," said Johana Nuriulu, Ensenada resident.

The Mexican military used helicopters to rescue 32 people from a ranch in Ensenada, including 22 foreigners. Baja California officials said thousands of personnel were deployed to assist residents.

Simon’s conditions also affected tourism areas, including Puerto Vallarta, where the international airport suspended operations temporarily. Workers reopened some businesses as rainfall eased.

"Personally, I think we should remain on alert because we don’t really know whether it will arrive, move elsewhere or dissipate," said Noelia Carrillo, tourism agency worker.

The National Hurricane Center continued tracking Simon’s movement and expected further changes in its strength.

"Some additional weakening is forecast over the next day or so, but Simon is forecast to remain a hurricane through midweek and could re-intensify by Wednesday," said the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

In the southwestern United States, Rachel’s remnants also caused flooding, including record October rainfall in Las Vegas. Weather officials said some localized flooding risks remained after the storm system moved away.

"We’ve seen the worst of what Rachel brought ... but unfortunately we are looking at the disturbed weather still lingering," said Andrew Orrison, National Weather Service meteorologist.