Hurricane Simon threatens Pérula with catastrophic storm surge as major hurricane nears Jalisco

Hurricane Simon is moving dangerously close to Mexico’s Jalisco coast, with the current forecast track placing the hurricane’s core near the small coastal community of Pérula, raising fears of destructive winds, extreme waves and potentially severe storm surge.

The National Hurricane Center says Simon remains an extremely dangerous major hurricane, with maximum sustained winds near 155 mph, just below Category 5 strength.

Pérula faces serious coastal flooding threat

Pérula’s location along a sheltered bay could make the community particularly vulnerable if Simon’s eyewall passes directly over or just west of the area.

Strong onshore winds could force large amounts of seawater into the bay, producing dangerous coastal flooding and powerful waves.

While some estimates circulating online suggest storm surge could potentially reach 10 to 15 feet in the most vulnerable locations, the exact surge height for Pérula has not yet been officially confirmed.

Simon’s eyewall moving closer to Mexico

The hurricane’s compact and powerful core is slowly approaching west-central Mexico.

Forecasters warn that conditions along the Jalisco coast could deteriorate quickly as Simon gets closer, with hurricane-force winds, extremely large waves and torrential rainfall expected near the landfall zone.

The latest official forecast takes Simon toward the coast of Jalisco, although even a relatively small shift east or west could significantly change which communities experience the strongest winds and highest storm surge.

Residents urged to complete evacuations

People living in low-lying coastal communities near Pérula and surrounding areas should follow evacuation instructions from Mexican authorities and avoid beaches, bays and exposed coastal roads.

Simon is also expected to bring rainfall capable of producing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides across mountainous areas of western Mexico.

Hurricane Simon remains capable of producing catastrophic impacts near the point where its eyewall reaches the Jalisco coast.