Simon weakens to a tropical storm 445 km from Cabo San Lucas; Civil Protection meets tonight at 8 p.m.
The cyclone is drifting slowly southwest, but small-craft port closures in La Paz and Los Cabos and the rain and surf watch remain in place.
Simon has weakened to a tropical storm and is located 445 kilometers south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, with maximum sustained winds of 100 km/h and higher gusts, Baja California Sur's State Civil Protection Council reported. The system is moving southwest at 7 km/h, and the Council will hold an extraordinary session Thursday, October 15, at 8:00 p.m. to decide next steps.
One day earlier, Simon was still a hurricane. At Wednesday's session, led by Governor Víctor Manuel Castro Cosío, it was reported as a Category 1 storm 400 kilometers south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, with 150 km/h winds.
What to expect in the state
According to the forecast shared by Civil Protection based on Mexico's National Weather Service (SMN), the cyclone could bring 25 to 50 millimeters of rain, with isolated totals up to 75 millimeters in central and southern Baja California Sur. Authorities also warned of high surf and rip currents along the coast.
As of Wednesday, the ports of La Paz and Los Cabos remained closed to small vessels. Reopening is up to the Port Captaincy, so fishermen and boat operators should confirm before heading out.
Los Cabos keeps protocols active
The Los Cabos municipal government, led by Mayor Christian Agúndez Gómez, said it is constantly monitoring the storm's track and keeping its Municipal Civil Protection Council protocols active, in coordination with state and federal agencies. The city hall phone line is (624) 146 7600.
What to do while the storm passes
Simon moving away and weakening does not rule out rain. In La Paz, Los Cabos and Comondú, do not cross flowing arroyos, even if they look shallow, and avoid swimming at Pacific-facing beaches while rip currents persist.
Clear roof and patio drains, and keep a flashlight, water and documents in a waterproof bag. For emergencies, dial 911.
The key decision comes tonight, when the State Council reviews weather conditions and may adjust preventive measures. Follow only official state and municipal channels.
Related
Public Services crews are clearing the San José Viejo ford and the City Club area; municipal Civil Protection is monitoring possible rain on Monday, Oct. 19, and Tuesday, Oct. 20.
The State Civil Protection Council expects the tropical storm to weaken to a depression Friday afternoon; Hurricane Trudy is not expected to affect Baja California Sur.
State Civil Protection expects the system to decay into a tropical depression and remnant low between Friday and Sunday; only the port of La Paz remains open.
The tropical storm has weakened slightly; no watches or warnings are in effect for Baja California Sur, but rain and high surf are still forecast through Saturday.