Hurricane Simon leaves Vallarta under red alert

Hurricane Simon remained off the coast of Jalisco while the threat of destructive winds and flooding rains continued along the coast.

Descriptions differed: Simon was described as moving slowly as a Category 3 storm, and also as a Category 4 storm moving north-northwest near Mexico’s west-central coast on Sunday morning. The situation remained dangerous even if Puerto Vallarta did not experience a direct hit from Hurricane Simon’s center.

Authorities urged residents and visitors to avoid beaches, the ocean, rivers, streams, canals and other flood-prone areas. People were also told not to cross water currents, walk or drive through floodwaters, or travel independently when weather conditions posed a danger. The sea conditions could pose a risk to people who approached the shore, with waves forecast at four to six meters and elsewhere at 6 to 8 meters along the coasts of Jalisco and Colima.

Waves began intensifying in Puerto Vallarta on the night of Sunday, October 11, and the highest waves became visible in the malecón area. Preparations were undertaken on the Malecón to prevent damage, while owners installed wooden planks as protective barriers against strong winds and waves. Bahía de Banderas entered a red alert classified as maximum danger.

Authorities urged residents to remain in their homes or temporary shelters, seek a safe interior space, stay away from doors, windows and glass, and keep an emergency backpack with documents, medicines, drinking water, nonperishable food, a radio and a flashlight. If an evacuation was ordered, residents were instructed to follow established routes and protocols.

Puerto Vallarta’s city hall and SEAPAL Vallarta suspended administrative activities for Monday, October 12, 2026. SEAPAL’s administrative and user-service offices were closed, while its operational areas would continue working if weather conditions allowed. A preventive closure helped protect the water infrastructure, and potable-water service began being replenished in the municipality’s neighborhoods Sunday afternoon.

Public transportation remained uncertain. UNIBUS PV said its entire fleet remained out of service. It was waiting for authorization to resume, and the decision depended on instructions from authorities. The service normally operates 31 urban routes. Autotransportes Medina and Transportes de Compostela were reported as scheduled to resume Monday, although Medina’s operations were also described as gradual.

Residents and visitors were advised to remain attentive to official notices and follow instructions from local and state Civil Protection authorities.