Hurricane Simon strengthens to category 4 off Mexico's Pacific coast

Hurricane Simon has intensified into a category 4 storm off Mexico's Pacific coast, with winds reaching up to 241km/h (150mph), threatening southwestern Mexico with destructive winds, storm surges and dangerous flooding.

According to the US National Hurricane Center, Simon was forecast to approach or move just inland of Mexico's west-central coast late Saturday or early Sunday. The storm was located roughly 115 miles (185km) south-southwest of Manzanillo, with the possibility of further strengthening before it reaches land.

Forecasters said the hurricane could dump between 10 and 20 inches (25 to 51cm) of rain across parts of southwestern Mexico through Sunday, warning that this would likely trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in hilly regions. Residents were urged to finish safety preparations.

A hurricane warning was issued for sections of the Pacific coastline south of Puerto Vallarta, including the Manzanillo area, home to Mexico's largest Pacific port. A tropical storm watch was also put in place further south toward Lazaro Cardenas.

In response, Jalisco state cancelled school classes on Friday and Monday across 22 coastal municipalities and began evacuating residents from high-risk zones. Authorities also asked hotels and tourism operators in Puerto Vallarta to make sure staff and tourists could reach shelters or safe areas.

Businesses in the tourist hub were seen boarding up windows and stacking sandbags at entrances in preparation for the storm. Officials additionally warned of a hazardous storm surge along with large, destructive waves near where Simon is expected to make landfall.