Hurricane Simon and Rachel Hit Mexico With Storm Impacts

Hurricane Simon and Tropical Storm Rachel are forecast to reach Mexico Saturday night, with Simon approaching the Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta area and Rachel moving toward the Baja peninsula near Ensenada. The storms are expected to bring heavy rainfall, flooding risks and coastal hazards. According to KMPH, Simon strengthened into a hurricane Thursday evening and reached Category 4 status by Friday evening.

The storm could intensify further before landfall, with sustained winds of at least 157 mph possible if it reaches Category 5 strength. Simon is a compact hurricane, with hurricane-force winds extending only about 10 miles from its center, according to KMPH. The strongest wind damage is expected to remain near the storm’s inner core, while rainfall could affect a much wider area.

KMPH reported that coastal areas of Jalisco and Colima could receive at least 1 foot of rain, with up to 20 inches possible in coastal Jalisco. Parts of coastal Michoacan could receive 20 to 30 inches of rain by Monday, although those heavier totals are expected in more isolated areas.

The National Weather Service information cited by KMPH indicated that Tropical Storm Rachel is much weaker than Simon but could maintain tropical storm status through landfall near Ensenada. The storm is also expected to bring rain and high surf impacts. Rachel has prompted San Diego to receive only its second Tropical Storm Watch on record, following the first issued in August 2023 for Tropical Storm Hilary, according to KMPH. Coastal Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties could see up to 1 inch of rain on Sunday.

KMPH reported that Rachel may also bring rain and snow showers to parts of the southern Sierra Nevada by Monday, while the San Joaquin Valley is expected to receive little impact beyond possible sprinkles. The active eastern Pacific hurricane season and elevated coastal water levels have been linked by KMPH to a strong El Niño pattern. The report said a Kelvin Wave increased ocean volume and contributed to higher sea levels that may worsen coastal flooding and surf impacts.