Hurricane Simon intensifies off Mexico’s coast
MIAMI – Simon has strengthened into a major hurricane in the Pacific, but still poses no direct threat to land.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says Simon’s maximum sustained winds increased to near 120 mph Saturday, making it a Category 3 hurricane. Forecasters say Simon is expected to begin weakening Sunday.
The center says the hurricane is located about 365 miles (585 kilometers) southwest of the southern tip of the Baja peninsula and is moving west-northwest at 14 mph. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Simon is expected to produce 1 to 2 inches of rain, with isolated amounts up to 6 inches, in southwestern Mexico. Swells generated by the hurricane could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.