Rapidly Intensifying Hurricane Polo Hits off the Coast of Mexico
Strengthened by powerful El Niño effects, Hurricane Polo is approaching the coasts of Baja California Sur and is preparing to make landfall on Monday night.
Rapidly intensifying off the southwestern coast of Mexico, Hurricane Polo continues its advance in the Pacific Ocean under the influence of El Niño weather patterns, threatening the region as a category 3 storm.
Intensification Process of the Hurricane
The system, increasing its impact off the coast of Mexico, quickly transformed from a tropical storm into a powerful hurricane and advanced in the Pacific Ocean, reaching its peak levels off Zihuatanejo in Guerrero state.
Location and Expected Landfall
According to data from the US National Hurricane Center, the storm is moving in a north-northwesterly direction away from the Baja California coast, and is expected to make landfall on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur on Monday night.
Although the system is projected to weaken slightly to a category 1 level before making landfall, risks such as structural damage, fallen trees, and power outages continue to persist in the region.
Security Measures Taken
Following the severe weather conditions, authorities initiated evacuation procedures in the region, closed ports, and announced the suspension of classes in schools.
While beach access was restricted in the San Jose del Cabo area, the Mexican Navy and the Ministry of Defense deployed approximately 7,000 personnel throughout Baja California Sur and established 169 temporary shelters.
Casualties and Damages
In a tragic incident in Jalisco state, two children lost their lives when a house was swept away by floodwaters, and search efforts for their mother and father are ongoing.
Expected Rainfall and Route
Meteorological officials warn that rainfall expected to reach 4 to 8 inches across Baja California and up to 12 inches in Baja California Sur could lead to life-threatening floods and landslides.
After dropping rain over Baja California, Hurricane Polo is projected to cross the Gulf of California and move toward northern states such as Sonora and Chihuahua.