Hurricane Simon Paralyzes Towns and Highways in Jalisco Amid Forecast That It Will Make Landfall

ByJuan Carlos G. Partida

This article by Juan Carlos G. Partida originally appeared in the October 11, 2026 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier left wing daily newspaper.

Punta Pérula, Jalisco. This morning, with a still uncertain forecast of where it will make landfall, if it does so in Jalisco, Category 4 Hurricane Simon has the population of the entire coast of the state shut in, and mobility paralyzed in towns and on highways, under a rain that has not stopped since Saturday night, but which so far has not caused any casualties, and only numerous floods are being reported.

In this locality of the municipality of La Huerta, a community of fishermen and small tourist hotels located in the middle of the Jalisco coastline, since Saturday night people have avoided going out due to the constant and heavy rain that is beginning to flood various points.

After 10 in the morning, according to the National Water Commission, Simon is 50 kilometers offshore, which generates greater uncertainty among visitors and residents given the possibility that the hurricane, which has shown an erratic trajectory, will finally move toward land.

It does not seem that this will happen, but while the storm decides whether to continue its trajectory parallel to the coast or to hurl itself against the central Jalisco beaches as was announced on Saturday, gusts of wind shake palm trees, raise waves of up to 5 meters, and force people to reinforce the placement of boards to avoid any surprises.

Hundreds of Federal Electricity Commission workers in numerous crews cover practically the entire coastal territory and fill hotels, stock up on supplies at one of the few open businesses, or simply skip breakfast, while waiting to learn what damage the storm will bring to the electrical grid, in an unexpected boost to the area’s economy.

The deployment of personnel from the Army, the National Guard, and both national and state Civil Protection is also notable given the constant patrols, although people in the most vulnerable areas were evacuated on Saturday.

This Sunday morning, loudspeaker alerts could be heard announcing that “we are on red alert” and urging people to remain sheltered and not travel.

People sit on a seawall under cloudy skies on the Jalisco coast
On Sunday morning, loudspeaker alerts announced that “we are on red alert” and urged people to stay sheltered and not travel. Photo: Arturo Campos Cedillo

Jalisco Civil Protection alone sent 200 rescuers to the coast from its inland bases, particularly from Guadalajara. That institution is expected shortly to offer an update on the forecast and toll of the hurricane from its regional headquarters in Puerto Vallarta.