Hurricane Simon Now Heads To Los Cabos After Changing Direction

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Hurricane Simon has officially shifted its path, and travelers heading to Los Cabos need to prepare for incoming weather. After stalling and scraping the west central coast of mainland Mexico, the long range track guidance has experienced a substantial westward shift. The official National Hurricane Center forecast cone now points the system directly toward Cabo San Lucas, with the center of the storm expected to arrive around Friday night.

Originally, the eye of Hurricane Simon was hovering roughly 85 miles west of Cabo Corrientes and inching slowly at about 3 mph. The storm was bringing heavy rain to mainland states, keeping local authorities on high alert for rising rivers and flooding. However, the consensus among track models now brings the storm northwestward toward Baja California Sur. The National Hurricane Center notes that the storm intensity could fluctuate, likely maintaining hurricane strength through Thursday before undergoing a gradual weakening phase. The excellent news for tourists and locals in Los Cabos is that Simon is officially forecast to be downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it reaches the southern tip of the peninsula.

Heavy Rain And Moisture Threats

While a downgrade to a tropical storm sounds like a massive relief, travelers should never underestimate the moisture associated with these systems. Simon has already unleashed severe flooding across western Mexico alongside other tropical systems. The storm downed trees, blocked roads, and flooded homes in several coastal towns earlier this week.

Forecasts indicate that up to 3 inches of rain are expected from Simon across Baja California Sur by Friday, with isolated spots potentially seeing up to 6 or 8 inches. This heavy rainfall is capable of producing life threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas with steep terrain. If you are visiting Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo, you need to be prepared for sudden downpours that could easily flood local streets and wash out dirt roads leading to off grid excursions.

Port Closures And Canceled Boat Tours

Even though the storm is expected to weaken, a direct hit from a tropical storm remains highly dangerous for maritime activities. Large swells will heavily affect the coast of Baja California Sur over the next several days, creating life threatening surf and rip current conditions. If you are currently at a resort in Los Cabos, you can expect immediate changes to your water based itinerary.

As the ocean swells increase and conditions deteriorate, the local harbor master will mandate the closure of the port to all small craft. This means all recreational water activities, including sunset catamaran cruises, snorkeling excursions at Pelican Rock, and deep sea fishing charters, will be completely canceled until the system safely passes. Tour operators are very accustomed to these weather events and will typically offer you a full refund or allow you to rebook your trip for later in the week once the sun comes back out.

Black Flags And Strict Beach Closures

The Pacific side of Los Cabos is already notorious for steep drop offs and a very heavy shorebreak even on a perfectly sunny day. The energy generated by Simon will make the ocean incredibly volatile and unpredictable. Expect black flags to fly across all resort beaches, signaling a strict and complete closure of the water.

Travelers must not attempt to swim or even walk close to the water edge during the storm. Sudden rogue waves can easily knock adults off their feet and pull them into a strong rip current. Local lifeguards and resort security will be actively patrolling the sand to ensure tourists stay at a safe distance from the crashing waves.

Travel Disruptions And Resort Life

Beyond the beaches, a tropical storm will still deliver sustained rainfall and strong wind gusts to the peninsula. You will likely need to trade outdoor pool days for indoor resort activities, spa appointments, or long leisurely dinners. Localized street flooding is a very real possibility during heavier rain bands, making it critical to avoid crossing any flooded washes or sudden streams if you decide to take a taxi into town.

Travelers should keep a close eye on their airline apps for official updates regarding potential flight delays or cancellations heading into Friday. The international airport in Puerto Vallarta already had to suspend operations earlier this week due to the severe weather, and Los Cabos International Airport could face similar temporary delays if the crosswinds become too severe. Follow all safety guidance issued by local Civil Protection authorities and your resort staff, stay completely out of the ocean, and ride out the passing storm safely indoors.