Simon strengthens to category 4 hurricane in Pacific, well off Baja California Peninsula

MIAMI – Simon has strengthened into a major hurricane in the Pacific, but still poses no direct threat to land.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says Simon’s maximum sustained winds increased to 130 mph (215 kph) on Saturday, making it a Category 4 hurricane. Forecasters say Simon is expected to begin weakening Sunday.

The centre says the hurricane is located about 395 miles (640 kilometres) southwest of the southern tip of the Baja peninsula and is moving northwest at 10 mph (17 kph). There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Simon is expected to produce up to 4 inches (10 centimetres ) of rain, with isolated amounts of 8 inches (20 centimetres), across central portions of the peninsula and in the northwestern state of Sonora. Swells generated by the hurricane could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.