Puerto Vallarta services return after Hurricane Simon
Puerto Vallarta is gradually resuming daily activities after a precautionary shutdown prompted by Hurricane Simon. Public transportation, drinking water, and garbage collection services and activities have been restored in Puerto Vallarta, while businesses are beginning to return. Reports differ on public transportation: it is beginning to return in Puerto Vallarta, while public transportation, drinking water, and garbage collection services and activities have been restored in Puerto Vallarta.
Some businesses and government offices may have adjusted hours during the transition, so locals and visitors should confirm opening times before making a trip. Water service is flowing again. Residents across Puerto Vallarta can use the city’s water service again, and SEAPAL Vallarta has fully reopened its storage tanks. The municipal water utility advises households to keep adequate water reserves on hand for cooking, drinking, and sanitation. Official monitoring remains ongoing, and residents are encouraged to follow official channels for real-time updates about potential changes to local utility services.
Simon was moving northwest at the time of the advisory. At 0300Z on October 13, Simon was at 20.4°N, 107.0°W with maximum winds of 85 kt (100 mph), and its convection had weakened considerably since the previous advisory. As of 11:00 PM MST on October 12, the center was located near 20.5, -107.1, and Simon had a minimum central pressure of 977 mb. Jalisco’s Civil Protection and Fire Department identified Simon as a Category 2 hurricane in its special advisory issued at 9 a.m. Monday, October 12. Officials expected Simon’s effects to gradually ease throughout the day as the storm moved away from the coast, but indirect effects continued.
Heavy rainfall associated with Simon will affect parts of west-central Mexico over the next few days, and the regional forecast calls for rainfall of 25 to 50 millimeters, with locally higher amounts. Stronger wind gusts are possible along the beachfront and in mountainous areas.
Red flags remain at Puerto Vallarta beaches, Civil Protection officials continue to warn of hazardous ocean conditions, and the resumption of activities across Puerto Vallarta does not mean the ocean is safe for swimming. State officials recommend suspending recreational activities when seas are rough, avoiding rocky beaches, and staying out of the water while following instructions from lifeguards and Civil Protection personnel. The forecast includes waves of two to three meters, although another forecast gives waves between 4 and 6 meters on the Jalisco coast; the figures are regional forecasts rather than measurements recorded at individual beaches or locations in Puerto Vallarta.
During heavy rain, authorities advise seeking shelter in a safe place, avoiding flooded areas, never attempting to cross streams, and avoiding open areas or standing beneath trees or metal structures during thunderstorms. People traveling between Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas should check with their bus operator for updates on routes, schedules, and service availability. Before heading out, check opening times, follow official updates, and keep away from the water while red flags remain.