Hurricane Simon nears Mexico with winds of 155 mph

Hurricane Simon was just off Mexico’s Pacific coast early Sunday, with winds of 155 mph, and was expected to move inland later that day.

The storm was near the states of Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco, where some areas could receive up to 30 inches of rain.

That much rain could cause life-threatening floods and mudslides, especially on steep ground.

A dangerous storm surge and large, destructive waves were also expected near the coast around where the hurricane makes landfall.

Authorities in Jalisco suspended classes in 22 coastal municipalities, began evacuating people from at-risk areas and urged tourism businesses to protect workers and visitors.

Businesses in Puerto Vallarta were boarding up windows as residents and visitors waited to see how the storm would affect the city.

The hurricane was expected to move inland later Sunday.