Mexico: Hurricane Polo has brought intense winds and heavy rainfall to Mexico’s northern Pacific coast as the powerful Category 3 storm approaches landfall in Baja California Sur, raising concerns over life-threatening flash floods, storm surges and mudslides.
With maximum sustained winds of around 115 mph (185 km/h), Polo is expected to make landfall over Baja California Sur, home to the popular resort area of Los Cabos. The US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) warned that dangerous winds and flash flooding had already begun affecting parts of the region, urging residents to seek safe shelter as conditions were expected to deteriorate rapidly.
Residents have boarded up homes and businesses and stocked up on essential supplies, including food and drinking water. Authorities have also taken precautionary measures, with schools in Baja California Sur closed and temporary shelters opened for residents who may need to evacuate.
In Cabo San Lucas, authorities restricted access to beaches, while several restaurants closed as the storm approached. The tourist destination, known for its distinctive natural rock arch, is a major base for sport fishing and whale-watching activities.
Laura Velázquez, national coordinator of Mexico’s Civil Protection Agency, remarked that travel would be suspended in areas expected to be affected by the hurricane, while ports would also be closed. Federal authorities have deployed thousands of navy and army personnel, along with specialised machinery, to support emergency response operations.
The NHC warned that Polo could generate a dangerous storm surge accompanied by large and destructive waves. Heavy rainfall is also expected to trigger potentially life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly across areas of steep terrain. Dangerous surf and rip currents are likely along parts of Mexico’s northwestern coast and Baja California over the coming days.
Although the hurricane is expected to weaken, its remnants could still bring strong gusty winds to southern New Mexico and western Texas. Polo has been moving slowly towards Mexico’s coastline and has been strengthened by exceptionally warm ocean waters associated with the El Niño climate phenomenon. The conditions have contributed to increased hurricane activity in the Pacific this season.
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