Hurricane Simon lashes Mexico's Pacific coast, pounds resorts and towns

What happened: Hurricane Simon weakened to Category 2 but kept pounding Mexico's west-central Pacific coast, with its eye offshore near Puerto Vallarta. Forecasters warned it could re-intensify and approach the coast Wednesday into Thursday. Key numbers: Maximum sustained winds 105 mph, down from 111 mph. Why it matters: The hurricane center warned of catastrophic wind, life-threatening storm surge, flooding and mudslides along the west-central coast. Jalisco began evacuating at-risk areas, and President Claudia Sheinbaum urged residents of four states to stay sheltered. Coverage: 5 outlets in 24h

Hurricane Simon weakened to Category 2 but kept pounding Mexico's west-central Pacific coast, with its eye offshore near Puerto Vallarta. Forecasters warned it could re-intensify and approach the coast Wednesday into Thursday.

The hurricane center warned of catastrophic wind, life-threatening storm surge, flooding and mudslides along the west-central coast. Jalisco began evacuating at-risk areas, and President Claudia Sheinbaum urged residents of four states to stay sheltered.