Tropical Cyclone SIMON-26 Tests Mexico's Coast; Submarine Cable Remains Fully Operational
Tropical Cyclone SIMON-26
At 18:33 UTC on October 7, 2026, tropical cyclone SIMON-26 made landfall along the coast of Mexico, bringing significant meteorological activity to the region. With wind speeds reaching 120 km/h, the cyclone was classified as a Category 1 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The storm impacted approximately 1,056,000 people, primarily in coastal areas near the city of Lázaro Cárdenas. These regions experienced storm-force winds, heavy rainfall, and localized flooding, which posed challenges to infrastructure and emergency response efforts. The city of Lázaro Cárdenas, a key port and industrial hub, was among the areas most affected, underscoring the importance of resilient infrastructure in mitigating the effects of such natural disasters.
Cables in the Storm Zone
Within a radius of 500 km from the epicenter of SIMON-26 lies the Lazaro Cardenas-Manzanillo Santiago Submarine Cable System (LCMSSCS). This submarine cable, spanning 322 km, was commissioned in 2013 and is owned by Telmex. It serves as a vital communication link between the cities of Lázaro Cárdenas and Manzanillo, two significant urban and economic centers on Mexico's western coast. The cable's closest point to the storm's epicenter is approximately 450 km, placing it within the broader impact zone of the cyclone.
The LCMSSCS plays a crucial role in supporting telecommunications and internet connectivity for the region. Submarine cables like this are designed to withstand harsh underwater conditions, including strong currents and pressure changes. However, extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones can pose additional challenges, including potential damage from underwater debris or shifting seabed conditions caused by storm surges.
What Our Measurements Show
GeoCables' proactive monitoring of the LCMSSCS cable during and after the landfall of SIMON-26 has confirmed the system's resilience. RTT (round-trip time) measurements remained stable, ranging between 45-47 ms throughout the storm's passage. These values are consistent with normal operating conditions, indicating that the cable's infrastructure was unaffected by the cyclone's impact. This stability highlights the robust engineering and maintenance practices employed in constructing and managing the LCMSSCS, ensuring uninterrupted communication for the region during critical times.
The ability of the LCMSSCS to maintain normal operations during SIMON-26 underscores the importance of reliable submarine cable systems in disaster-prone areas. Such infrastructure not only supports everyday connectivity but also serves as a lifeline during emergencies, enabling coordination of relief efforts and communication between affected communities.
Context and Risks
The western coast of Mexico is frequently exposed to tropical cyclones, making it imperative to prioritize resilient infrastructure. Submarine cables like the LCMSSCS are essential for maintaining communication during emergencies, providing a stable connection for both local residents and businesses. The successful performance of the LCMSSCS during SIMON-26 demonstrates the importance of investing in durable and well-maintained systems to withstand natural disasters.
While the LCMSSCS remained operational during the storm, events like SIMON-26 serve as a reminder of the potential risks posed by extreme weather. Regular monitoring, timely maintenance, and proactive upgrades are critical to ensuring the continued reliability of submarine cable networks in regions prone to cyclones and other environmental challenges.
Further Monitoring
GeoCables will continue to closely monitor the Lazaro Cardenas-Manzanillo Santiago Submarine Cable System in the aftermath of SIMON-26. This includes tracking RTT values and assessing any potential long-term impacts on the cable's performance. Special attention will be directed toward areas closest to the storm's epicenter to ensure that the infrastructure remains robust and fully operational.
In addition, GeoCables will maintain vigilance over weather developments in the region, evaluating their potential effects on other submarine cables and communication networks. By providing real-time insights and comprehensive monitoring, GeoCables reaffirms its commitment to supporting resilient global connectivity, even in the face of challenging environmental conditions.
