Tropical Storm Simon

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Interests along the southwestern coast of Mexico should monitor the progress of this system. Watches will likely be required for a portions of the coast of southwestern Mexico tonight.

RAINFALL: Simon is expected to produce rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches over portions of southwestern Mexico, with isolated maximum totals between 15 and 25 inches possible across portions of Colima and Michoacan through Sunday. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.

At 300 PM CST (2100 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Simon was located near latitude 15.5 North, longitude 101.6 West. Simon is moving toward the west-northwest near 8 mph (13 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue through tomorrow, followed by a turn toward the northwest and north on Friday. On the forecast track, the center of Simon is expected to remain south of Mexico through Friday, but approach the coast of southwestern Mexico on Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 40 mph (65 km/h) with higher gusts. Continued strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Simon is expected to become a hurricane by late Thursday. It could become a major hurricane by Saturday.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the center.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1004 mb (29.65 inches).