Hurricane Simon Will Bring Floods to Great Plains
The Category 4 storm will push moisture toward the U.S., fueling storms from Texas through the Midwest starting this week.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Forecasts
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As of October 18, 2026, Hurricane Simon is moving off the coast of Mexico and is projected to make landfall this Sunday. The storm's remnants will merge with atmospheric patterns to drive significant precipitation across the central United States.
Why it matters
Tropical moisture from the dissipating hurricane will travel northward, creating a severe weather threat that extends from the Great Plains into the Great Lakes region. This interaction between tropical energy and existing weather systems poses a flash flood risk for multiple states.
Hurricane Simon currently maintains Category 4 intensity and is located 65 miles west-northwest of Manzanillo, Mexico. Meteorologists have issued a Level 2 out of 5 severe storm risk and a Level 1 out of 4 flash flood threat for the Central U.S.
The players
Hurricane Simon
This is a Category 4 tropical cyclone currently located off the coast of Mexico.
The details
A deep dip in the jet stream combined with a high-pressure ridge will pull moisture from Hurricane Simon and the Gulf of Mexico into the central U.S. This atmospheric setup is expected to produce widespread precipitation totals of 1 to 2 inches from Northern Texas through Illinois.
Timeline
Sunday: Hurricane Simon is expected to make landfall.
Monday: A jet stream dip begins affecting the Southwest.
Tuesday: Storms develop due to moisture and a Rockies disturbance.
Wednesday: A Level 2 flash flood threat is active in the Great Plains.
Thursday: Wet weather shifts into the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes.
Seasonal Patterns
This event follows the typical autumn pattern where tropical systems interact with the strengthening jet stream to transport moisture into the U.S. interior. The projected landfall and subsequent inland tracking are consistent with historical data for late-season hurricane remnants.
Residents in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles should monitor local weather alerts for potential flash flooding and severe storm activity. Travelers in the Great Plains and Midwest should prepare for wet conditions and potential travel disruptions through Thursday.
The takeaway
Tropical remnants often pose flood risks far from the original landfall location due to their high moisture content. Readers in the affected path should clear drainage areas and stay updated on flood warnings issued by local authorities.
What happens next
Hurricane Simon is expected to make landfall on Sunday, followed by continuous storm monitoring across the Central U.S. through Thursday.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming weather patterns, visit our Forecasts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX Weather.
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