Hurricane Simon hits Mexico's Pacific coast with damaging winds and rain

Key Points:

• Hurricane Simon, a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 140 mph, is impacting Mexico's Pacific coast near Puerto Vallarta, bringing catastrophic winds, heavy rain, and life-threatening flooding and mudslides.
• The hurricane's eye is moving parallel to the coast, close to Cabo Corrientes, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 25 miles and tropical-storm-force winds reaching 80 miles, affecting areas between the Sierra Madre mountains and the ocean.
• Authorities in Jalisco have suspended classes, evacuated at-risk populations, and closed coastal areas, while urging residents and tourists to take shelter and avoid travel until the danger passes.
• Despite evacuation efforts and warnings, some tourists remain in Puerto Vallarta, many unprepared for the hurricane's severity, while local officials continue to enforce safety measures.
• The storm is expected to bring 10 to 30 inches of rain to parts of southwestern Mexico, increasing the risk of flooding and mudslides in mountainous terrain.