What happened
Hurricane Simon has strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane as it approaches Mexico's coast. The National Hurricane Center reported that Simon's maximum sustained winds have increased to 150 mph. The hurricane is expected to bring heavy rainfall, with some areas potentially receiving up to 30 inches of rain, leading to life-threatening flooding and mudslides.
Residents in Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination, are preparing for the storm by boarding up windows and evacuating at-risk areas. The Jalisco state government has suspended classes and begun evacuating people from coastal municipalities. Businesses, including hotels and convenience stores, are taking precautions and preparing to close if necessary.
The National Hurricane Center has warned of a dangerous storm surge and large, destructive waves along the coast. Canadian tourist Ed Currie, who is currently in Puerto Vallarta, said he plans to stay in his hotel and wait out the storm, but is unsure of what to expect.
