Hurricane Simon and Storm Rachel Cause Destruction in Mexico and the U.S.

As of October 13, 2026, Hurricane Simon and the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel have caused the deaths of six people. Heavy rains from these storms have led to flooding and landslides along Mexico’s Pacific coast, according to local authorities.

Hurricane Simon’s Impact and Forecast

Hurricane Simon remains a Category 1 storm, moving slowly off Mexico’s Pacific coast. It has unleashed heavy rains in the Nayarit and Sinaloa states. Authorities in these regions remain watchful for rising rivers and potential flooding. Over the weekend, Guerrero state was heavily affected, with the storm claiming one life there.

Even though the hurricane’s eye is offshore, its outer bands have hit communities between the Sierra Madre and the Pacific Ocean. Simon’s strongest sustained winds are at 90 mph. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reports it as a small tropical cyclone, positioned 115 miles west of Cabo Corrientes, moving west at 2 mph. The storm is expected to maintain hurricane strength through Thursday, with possible weakening thereafter.

According to forecasts, Simon could bring up to 3 inches of rain across Baja California Sur, Nayarit, and Sinaloa by Friday. Meteorologist Nikki Nolan from CBS News warns that the storm’s moisture may cause flash flooding extending to regions in the U.S., including Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. Some areas might experience rainfall up to 8 inches.

Tropical Weather Consequences

In Mexico’s Baja California, emergency crews searched affected areas in Ensenada. Floodwaters there destroyed vehicles and homes, resulting in four deaths linked to Tropical Storm Rachel. Resident Johana Nuriulu described the sudden overflow of a nearby stream, leading to significant damage to her neighborhood.

Landslides and overflowing rivers further isolated communities. Helicopters evacuated 32 individuals from a ranch in Ensenada. This group included 22 foreigners and several youths. Some were missionaries, involving Germans and Americans. The victims included a 13-year-old girl and others whose bodies were recovered by authorities.

Authorities reported that five additional people remain missing in the area. Over 14,000 personnel are currently addressing the emergency across Baja California. Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila oversees these efforts.

Hurricane Simon also brought destruction to Guerrero state, with fallen trees and damaged infrastructure in areas like Acapulco. Additionally, a 71-year-old man died in Chilpancingo due to a wall collapse.

As rains subsided, Puerto Vallarta employees dismantled storefront protections, resuming business. The city’s international airport had halted operations, resuming on Tuesday.

Effects in the United States

Tropical Storm Rachel downgraded into a post-tropical cyclone as it moved into Southern California. It generated large waves that damaged coastal regions, such as Long Beach. Las Vegas recorded 1.08 inches of rain, matching an October record set in 1947.

Utah, Arizona, and other parts of the Southwest had lifted most flood advisories by Monday. Flooding stranded participants in Utah’s Moab 240 ultramarathon, which spans national parks.

The rainfall affecting these areas is unrelated to Rachel, but from another weather system. Forecasters expect this rain to cease by Wednesday.

Meanwhile, power restoration efforts are ongoing after Hurricane Isaias impacted the U.S. Southeast. This Category 2 hurricane resulted in four deaths and affected regions such as Destin, Florida.