Hurricane Simon lingers off Mexico's coast, forecast to bring heavy rains, fierce winds
Quick Look
- Although Hurricane Simon has not made landfall in Mexico, it will pass about 15 kilometers off the coast of Jalisco, and is expected to bring heavy rain, violent winds and wave heights up to 9 meters.
- Meteorological experts warned of severe impacts on coastal communities, and civil protection authorities noted that the hurricane's near-standstill would increase disaster risks.
- El Niño caused the Pacific Ocean currents to warm, intensifying the intensity of the storm.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Hurricane Simon is the latest hurricane in the Pacific this hurricane season. Affected by El Niño, the Pacific ocean currents warm and wind shear weakens, which is conducive to the storm's intensification. In comparison, El Niño keeps the Atlantic hurricane season relatively quiet.
Hurricane Simon has slightly changed its direction today. Weather forecasts show that it will not make landfall, but it will bring heavy rain and strong winds as it passes over the coast of Mexico.
Agence France-Presse reports that Hurricane Simon is Category 4 on the 5-category Saffir-Simpson scale. It is currently moving slowly and remains dangerous.
Please read on...
Weather forecasts originally expected it to make landfall at noon local time, but data collected by hurricane hunter aircraft showed that its movement had slowed down and would only come about 15 kilometers away from the coast of Jalisco.
Even if it does not make landfall, Mexican Meteorological Director Fabian Vazquez told AFP: "The entire cloud band of the cyclone, or the most violent part, will still affect coastal communities. We will have very serious impacts, especially strong winds in coastal areas." He said that the wave height could reach 9 meters, and there would be extremely heavy rain.
Simon is the latest hurricane in the Pacific this season, intensified by strong El Niño that warms ocean currents and weakens wind shear. In comparison, El Niño has kept the Atlantic hurricane season relatively quiet.
The latest report from the National Hurricane Center stated that Simon had sustained wind speeds of 230 kilometers per hour and was moving slowly at a speed of 11 kilometers per hour.
Boris Comi, a meteorological expert with the Jalisco State Civil Defense Department, pointed out that Simon has "almost stopped" along the coast of Mexico, which means "it will bring heavy rain for a longer period of time" and "increase the risk of disasters for people."
Hurricanes also weaken once they make landfall. However, Meteorological Director Vazquez said that if it moves parallel to the coastline, the hurricane "can maintain a relatively high intensity." (Compiled by: He Hongru) 1151012
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Hurricane Simon will pass about 15 kilometers off the coast of Jalisco in the next few hours, continuing to bring heavy rain and strong winds.
Very likely · Within hours
The coastal areas of Jalisco will be affected by strong winds and heavy rains, and wave heights may reach 9 meters, increasing the risk of flooding and coastal erosion.
Likely · Within hours
Open Questions
- How long will Hurricane Simon remain at its current intensity?
- What will be Hurricane Simon's final path after skimming the coast?
- Are Jalisco's coastal communities prepared for disasters?
