Hurricane Polo Brings Category 3 Winds and Life-Threatening Flooding to Mexico

Hurricane Polo is battering Mexico’s northern Pacific coast with ferocious winds as the Category 3 storm approaches landfall in Baja California Sur, threatening life-threatening flash floods, storm surge and landslides.

The hurricane has maximum sustained winds of nearly 115 miles per hour (185 kilometers per hour) and is expected to make landfall Monday night in Baja California Sur, home to the popular tourist resort of Los Cabos.

Hurricane Polo Landfall Threatens Los Cabos

Meteorologists at the US-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that life-threatening winds were beginning to affect parts of the region. Residents prepared drinking water, ready-to-eat food and other necessities as the storm approached.

The eye of the hurricane is expected to move inland along the coast of Baja California Sur on Monday night before reaching southern Sonora state by Tuesday morning, the NHC said.

The National Weather Service warned that “conditions will deteriorate rapidly” and urged residents to seek safe shelter.

Life-Threatening Flooding, Storm Surge and Landslides

Forecasters warned that the intense storm surge produced by Hurricane Polo could be accompanied by large, destructive waves. Heavy rain may also trigger life-threatening flooding and landslides, especially in areas with steep terrain.

The hurricane center said Polo’s remnants could continue to produce strong wind gusts in southern New Mexico and west Texas even after the storm dissipates.

Beaches and Ports Closed in Baja California Sur

In Cabo San Lucas, famous for its natural rock arches, authorities restricted access to beaches. Some restaurants also closed in the town, a hub for sport fishermen and whale watchers.

Laura Velasquez, national coordinator for Mexico’s Civil Protection Agency, said travel would be suspended and ports would be closed in areas where the hurricane is expected to make landfall.

Dangerous waves and rip currents could continue along parts of Mexico’s northwestern coast and Baja California for the next day or so, meteorologists said.