Hurricane Polo struck the northern Pacific coast of Mexico, bringing maximum sustained winds of 110 mph, or 175 km/h, near Las Barrancas. Meteorologists predict that Polo will pass over Baja California Sur before moving inland across Sonora.
Forecasters predict 6 to 12 inches, or 150-300mm, of rain across sections of Baja California Sur. The NHC expects a storm surge to cause significant coastal flooding.
Dangerous surf and rip currents are likely along the north-western coast of Mexico and Baja California for the next day or so. US media reported some flooding in Puerto San Carlos.
Separately, Hurricane Nolo flooded a section of Mamalahoa highway near Naalehu, Hawaii. Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center, advised, “Don’t venture out if you don’t have to into the dangerous flooding environment, but also high winds. We can have trees and power lines down”.
On the Big Island, more than 120 guard members were activated. Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration, which authorized FEMA to coordinate assistance.
Mexico’s National Meteorological Service (SMN) had expected Polo to make a Baja landfall on Monday. The Mexican navy deployed three vessels to ship aid to coastal communities.
