MIAMI, Oct 5: Simon has strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane in the Pacific, but still poses no direct threat to land.
The US National Hurricane Center in Miami says Simon’s maximum sustained winds increased to near 115 mph (185 kph) yesterday.
Forecasters say Simon is expected to begin weakening today.
The center says the hurricane is centered about 350 miles (565 kilometers) southwest of the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula and is moving west-northwest at 13 mph (20 kph). There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Simon is expected to produce 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) or more of rainfall in southwestern Mexico and swells generated by the hurricane could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. (AGENCIES)