Mexico’s Pacific Coast Reopens One Airport While Bracing for a Storm

Hurricane Simon is closing in on Mexico’s Pacific coast. As of Tuesday morning local time it was about 335 km south-southwest of Mazatlan, with maximum sustained winds of 150 km/h and a slow westward drift of about 4 km/h. Mexican authorities expect it to reach Mazatlan as a Category 1 hurricane.

Hurricane conditions are possible in the Islas Marias watch area on Wednesday and on the mainland on Thursday, with tropical storm conditions possible from Wednesday. A hurricane watch covers the coast from north of Escuinapa to Bahia Tempehuaya. Five deaths have been reported across the Pacific coast from Simon and Hurricane Rachel.

There is some good news further south. Puerto Vallarta International Airport was cleared to resume all operations, including commercial flights, from Tuesday, October 13, though schedules depend on each airline. Manzanillo International Airport has also resumed operations.

Travellers with plans in Mazatlan or along the Sinaloa and Nayarit coasts should check flight status, airline waivers and hotel arrangements, and follow local authority guidance as the storm approaches. Because the forecast track and timing can shift quickly, confirming bookings the day before travel is sensible.

Sources: Travel Monitor