The death toll from Hurricane Simon and Tropical Storm Rachel has reached six. Heavy rains led to flooding and landslides along Mexico’s Pacific coast, authorities reported.
Hurricane Simon, a Category 1 storm, continued along Mexico’s Pacific coast with sustained winds of 90 mph. The storm affected Nayarit and Sinaloa, prompting authorities to watch for flood risks. Earlier, heavy rainfall in Guerrero from Simon claimed one life.
Simon was 115 miles west of Cabo Corrientes, traveling west at 2 mph. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the storm would likely remain a hurricane through Thursday, with gradual weakening expected thereafter.
Rainfall Forecast
Mexico’s Baja California Sur, Nayarit, and Sinaloa could see up to three inches of rain by Friday, according to forecasts. Parts of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri face flash flood risks, potentially receiving up to eight inches of rain.
Tropical Storm Rachel’s Impact
In Baja California, rescuers searched Ensenada for missing persons after floodwaters caused severe damage. Four deaths occurred there due to Cyclone Rachel. Resident Johana Nuriulu described the flooding’s rapid onset after the storm disrupted power. Communities faced landslides and overflowing rivers.
The Mexican military used helicopters to rescue 32 people from a ranch in Ensenada. Among them were German and American missionaries. A deadly flood claimed the lives of a 13-year-old girl, two women, a young boy, and another unidentified victim.
Five individuals remained missing, including a father and son missing from a fishing trip.
Simon’s Damage in Guerrero
Simon’s strong winds downed trees and power lines, blocking roads. Guerrero state’s coastal towns, including Acapulco, were particularly affected. Acapulco’s international airport temporarily halted operations. A man died in Chilpancingo, Guerrero, after a wall collapsed.
Puerto Vallarta began reopening as rain conditions improved. Tourism workers remained alert due to ongoing weather uncertainties.
U.S. Effects from Rachel
Rachel weakened to a post-tropical cyclone in Southern California. High waves caused damage along Long Beach, forcing some evacuations. Las Vegas matched its record daily rainfall for October with 1.08 inches, a mark set in 1947.
Parts of the Southwest lifted flood advisories by Monday. Flood conditions stranded runners and volunteers at an ultramarathon in Utah, requiring evacuations. The event occurred in Canyonlands and Arches national parks.
Additionally, power restoration continued after Hurricane Isaias impacted the Southeast U.S., where it was responsible for four deaths.