High surf hits the coast of Puerto Vallarta, in Jalisco, Mexico. (EPA Images pic)PUERTO VALLARTA: Hurricane Simon strengthened into a powerful Category 4 storm and was expected to make landfall or skirt the coast of west-central Mexico on Sunday, according to the US National Hurricane Center.
Fluctuations in strength are expected until the core of Simon reaches the coast, with a maximum wind speed of 155 miles (249km) per hour, the NHC said in an update.
"Significant or catastrophic wind, surge, and rainfall appears likely over portions of west-central Mexico" on Saturday night and Sunday, the centre added.
"Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion shortly in the hurricane warning area."
