Simon strengthens into a Category 4 hurricane as it approaches Mexico's coast

Hurricane Simon has strengthened into a powerful Category 4 storm as it heads toward Mexico’s coast

Hurricane Simon has strengthened into a powerful Category 4 storm as it heads toward Mexico’s coast. The National Hurricane Center in Miami reports that Simon’s maximum sustained winds have reached 140 mph. A storm of this strength is considered a major hurricane. Heavy rainfall is expected over parts of southwestern Mexico, with rain possibly concentrated across the coast of Jalisco and parts of Michoacan, Colima, and Nayarit. Forecasters warn of life-threatening flooding and mudslides.

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MIAMI (AP) — Simon has strengthened into a powerful Category 4 hurricane as it barrels toward Mexico’s coast.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said early Saturday Simon’s maximum sustained winds increased to 140 mph (22 kmh). A storm of that strength or greater is considered a major hurricane.

Simon is expected to bring heavy rainfall over parts of southwestern Mexico, possibly concentrated along the coast of Jalisco and in parts of Michoacan, Colima, and Nayarit. Forecasters warned of life-threatening flooding and mudslides.