Hurricane Simon remains a Category 4 storm near western Mexico

Hurricane Simon is bringing life-threatening flooding, destructive winds and dangerous storm surge to west-central Mexico as the powerful Category 4 hurricane moves north-northwest near the coast.

Simon has maximum sustained winds of 240 km/h, with higher gusts.

The hurricane is located about 95 kilometres west of Manzanillo and 175 kilometres south-southeast of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico. Simon is moving north-northwest at approximately 9 km/h.

The storm has a minimum central pressure of 933 millibars.

A hurricane warning is in effect from Punta San Telmo to El Roblito, including the Islas Marias. A tropical storm watch is in effect from Punta San Telmo eastward to Lazaro Cardenas.

The NHC forecasts Simon to remain near or move over the coast of west-central Mexico as a major hurricane Sunday before moving very close to the coastline Monday. Some weakening is possible, with rapid weakening expected if the storm's core moves fully inland.

Life-threatening rainfall and flooding

Simon is forecast to produce an additional 250 to 500 millimetres of rain across portions of southwestern Mexico through Monday. Isolated totals could reach 750 millimetres in parts of Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco.

The rainfall is expected to cause life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas of steep terrain.

Hurricane-force winds extend up to 35 kilometres from the centre, while tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 150 kilometres.

Dangerous storm surge and surf

A dangerous storm surge is expected along the immediate coast near and east of where Simon's centre makes landfall. The surge will be accompanied by large, destructive waves.

Swells generated by the hurricane are also expected to affect portions of southwestern and west-central Mexico over the next several days, creating life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.