Hurricane Polo Moves Toward Mexico and Will Affect the U.S.
As the strengthening Hurricane Polo approaches Mexico's Baja California peninsula, ports have been closed and emergency measures enacted.
Moving toward the Baja California peninsula, Hurricane Polo gained significant strength overnight into morning, taking hold of Mexico's Pacific coast as ports were closed and emergency measures were put into effect in the region.
Hurricane Track and Authorities' Measures
Creating storm conditions on Mexico's southwestern coast, Hurricane Polo headed toward the Baja California peninsula and significantly increased its strength overnight into morning, according to National Hurricane Center data.
With the hurricane expected to strike the peninsula between Monday and Tuesday, local authorities prepared shelters, while the Mexican government announced Friday afternoon that ports in the region were closed.
Security Measures Taken in Coastal Regions
Residents in coastal areas evacuated their homes on Thursday and reinforced beachfront shops with sandbags, beaches were cleared, and schools were closed.
Mexican authorities deployed a total of fifteen thousand security personnel along the coastline and opened shelters for use.
Damage in the City of Lázaro Cárdenas
In the port city of Lázaro Cárdenas in Michoacán state, pieces of wood and furniture drifted through streets as seawater flooded homes.
While local residents and government officials shoveled away the thick mud covering the streets to conduct cleanup work, shopkeeper Alicia Contreras stated that her restaurant suffered major damage due to fifteen-foot waves.
Effects on the U.S. Southwest Region
Moisture masses associated with Hurricane Polo are expected to reach parts of the U.S. Southwest by Monday.
It is forecasted that scattered flash floods could occur in the Four Corners region, particularly encompassing Arizona and New Mexico.
Precautions Taken for Marine Life
Biologists took action on Friday due to the high waves and dangerous surf conditions the hurricane will create.
Eggs collected from two olive ridley sea turtle nests on Southern California beaches were transported to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.