Storms leave 2 dead in Mexico as flash-flood risk from Rachel lingers across the Southwest US

PUERTO VALLARTA, Jalisco — Extreme tropical weather led to two deaths in Mexico and caused widespread damage over the weekend as Hurricane Simon pounded the country's Pacific coast, authorities said Monday.

Simon has weakened to a Category 2 storm, its eye remaining just offshore as its most powerful winds and rain slammed communities between the Sierra Madre and the ocean and were forecast to persist off the coast of Puerto Vallarta.

More rain and isolated thunderstorms could hit the Southwest U.S., prompting forecasters to issue flood watches Monday after the remnants of Rachel caused severe flooding in Las Vegas over the weekend.