Hurricanes Simon and Isaias Ready for Weekend Landings
Two hurricanes and a tropical storm will be landing on the Americas this weekend, with Hurricane Simon running up the west coast of Mexico near Banderas Bay, and Hurricane Isaias heading north out of the Gulf of Mexico with landfall near Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Tropical Storm Rachel will be landing somewhere near Ensenada and Tijuana. As predicted, the El Niño-influenced hurricane season has created more storms in the Pacific and fewer in the Atlantic. So far, all these storms have avoided major boating centers — a fortunate turn of events for boat owners, marinas and insurance companies.
Hurricane Simon is strengthening and could affect marinas and boat owners as it moves north past Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán, and then up into the Sea of Cortez. Former publisher Richard Spindler is in Punta Mita on Banderas Bay, watching the models showing the always-uncertain path. Simon might stay west and brush by Banderas Bay with minimal impact, or hit hard as a major hurricane. As Richard said, “Wish us luck.” And we have! If it goes farther west, Mazatlán, Cabo and La Paz could feel the larger impact.
As of this morning, a hurricane warning is in effect from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita. The National Hurricane Center forecasts Simon, approaching Mexico’s west-central coast, to be a major hurricane on Saturday, with catastrophic winds and life-threatening storm surge. This will be accompanied by heavy rain, flooding and dangerous surf through the weekend.
Hurricane Isaias is predicted to hit the Gulf Coast as a Category 3, bringing wind speeds of over 100 knots and significant storm surge and flooding to the low-lying barrier island communities. Hurricane Isaias will most likely be hitting the coast this afternoon.
Hurricanes are large storms that impact a wide area, though the most severe damage to boats, marinas and shoreline communities can be somewhat limited to a narrower area near wherever the NE quadrant of the storm lands. Ideally, boats in the danger zone have roller-furling sails, canvas and other above-deck gear and equipment removed and stowed. There are just a few weeks left in the “official” hurricane season, leaving hope that this busy season will come and go without much damage. We’re keeping our fingers crossed.