Hurricane Simon intensifies to 155 mph as it approaches Mexico's Pacific coast

Key points

• Hurricane Simon reached 155 mph winds, just shy of Category 5 strength, as of 11 p.m. EDT on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
• Simon is moving north at 5 mph, with its center located about 65 miles south-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico.
• The National Hurricane Center forecasts landfall near Puerto Vallarta on Sunday, but the exact path is uncertain due to the storm's parallel approach to the coastline.
• Tropical Storm Rachel is moving toward the U.S. Southwest, with winds of 60 mph and a broad wind field extending up to 140 miles from the center.
• Rachel is expected to bring significant coastal flooding to Southern California, with water levels in Los Angeles and San Diego potentially reaching top-10 highs on record.

Background

This storm activity follows Hurricane Isaias, which made landfall in the western Florida Panhandle on Friday night, causing widespread but non-catastrophic damage. The current week is unprecedented, with three active storms affecting different regions simultaneously. Hurricane Polo, which hit 180 mph in September, tied the global record for the strongest storm of the year, fueled by warm El Niño waters. The current El Niño event is also contributing to record-high water levels along the Southern California coast, exacerbating the potential for coastal flooding from Tropical Storm Rachel.

How outlets are covering it

AP News and Yale Climate Connections both emphasize the intensity and uncertainty of Hurricane Simon's path, noting the storm's rapid strengthening and the difficulty in predicting its exact landfall location. Mexico News Daily focuses on the potential for major hurricane landfall and the impact on coastal areas. All sources agree on the significant risks of flooding, mudslides, and coastal damage, but differ in their emphasis on the specific locations and the degree of uncertainty in the forecast. Yale Climate Connections provides detailed information on the potential for coastal flooding in the U.S. Southwest due to Tropical Storm Rachel, while AP News and Mexico News Daily focus more on the impact of Hurricane Simon in Mexico.

Why it matters

The simultaneous activity of three storms is unprecedented and poses significant risks to multiple regions. Hurricane Simon's intensity and uncertain path could lead to severe wind, rain, and flooding impacts in Mexico, while Tropical Storm Rachel could cause significant coastal flooding in the U.S. Southwest. The potential for life-threatening flooding, mudslides, and coastal damage underscores the need for preparedness and response in affected areas.

What to watch

Forecasters will continue to monitor Hurricane Simon's path and intensity as it approaches the Mexican coast, with updates expected in the coming hours. Tropical Storm Rachel is expected to move onshore early Sunday, with its center passing just south of the U.S.-Mexico border. The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Warning for Sunday for San Diego and Orange County, including the cities of San Diego and Los Angeles. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions.