Hurricane Polo, now downgraded to a Category 3 storm, is anticipated to hit the Pacific coastline of Baja California Sur on Monday night, bringing sustained winds ranging from 100 to 130 kilometers per hour and intense rainfall to the well-liked tourist spot. The hurricane was situated approximately 320 kilometers away from the Baja California coast by Sunday evening, moving in a north-northwest direction at a speed of 19 km/h with sustained winds clocking in at 200 km/h, as per the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
Simultaneously, Hurricane Nolo poses a threat to portions of Hawaii with heavy rainfall, although the storm is gradually moving away from the state’s islands. The private weather forecasting service AccuWeather mentioned that Polo is expected to weaken gradually before landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, but there is still potential for tree and power line destruction and structural damage.
Recent evacuations, port closures, and school shutdowns along Mexico’s Pacific coast have been prompted by heavy rain, high surf, and strong winds. Tragically, two minors lost their lives and their parents are missing after their residence was swept away in Jalisco state on Mexico’s Pacific coast, according to the state Civil Protection and Fire Department.
In San José del Cabo, a popular resort city, beach access has been restricted by authorities due to the storm stirring up large waves and hazardous surf conditions. Polo is forecasted to bring 10 to 20 centimeters of rain across Baja California, with localized amounts of up to 30 centimeters in Baja California Sur, leading to a heightened risk of severe flooding and mudslides. The storm is expected to cross the Gulf of California and move into the northern regions of Sonora and Chihuahua.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center has cautioned that the heavy rainfall from Polo could result in life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas with steep terrain. In response, Mexico’s Navy and Defence ministries have deployed roughly 7,000 personnel to Baja California Sur and opened 169 facilities for temporary shelter use.
While still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Lala, Hawaii faces the looming threat of floods and mudslides from Hurricane Nolo. The outer bands of Nolo could bring about life-threatening flooding and mudslides, with potential rainfall amounts of up to 50 centimeters on parts of the Big Island, along with heavy rain anticipated across the other islands.
Over 120 National Guard members have been activated, joining approximately 400 others statewide following the governor’s emergency proclamation. President Donald Trump has approved an emergency declaration, granting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the authority to coordinate assistance and provide financial support. Hawaii’s residents are still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Lala, which resulted in heavy rain and powerful winds that displaced around 100 homes from their foundations on the Big Island.