OMM Redaksiyası
Hurricane “Polo” has rapidly intensified near Mexico’s coast, becoming one of the strongest storms of the season in the Pacific Ocean.
“Operative Information Center-OMM” reports, citing foreign media.
Wind speeds have reached approximately 285 kilometers per hour, according to reports.
The storm has been described as extremely dangerous, while its intensification over the past 24 hours has been considered unusual.
The slow-moving hurricane became the third storm of the season to reach Category 5, the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
“Polo” is expected to move past Mexico’s southwestern coast, although it is not forecast to make a direct landfall.
As the hurricane moves northwest, it could bring heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides to the region.
Coastal areas are expected to receive up to 15-20 centimeters of rain. Residents have been warned about large waves and dangerous sea conditions.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the hurricane would not make direct landfall but warned that the Pacific coastal states of Jalisco, Colima and Michoacan remained at risk. She called on residents to take precautionary measures.
Extremely warm ocean waters fueling the storm could allow “Polo” to intensify further.
The hurricane could remain at Category 5 strength over the next several days, reports said.
Scientists monitoring ocean temperatures said the ongoing “El Nino” climate phenomenon had reached its strongest level on record.
On Sept. 19, daily sea surface temperatures in a critical area of the central-eastern Pacific were 3.05 degrees Celsius above average, surpassing the previous record set in 2015. While some long-term indicators linked to “El Nino” have not yet reached record levels, conditions could change, and the phenomenon’s peak may be observed toward the end of this year.
Category 5 hurricanes are the most powerful on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with sustained winds of at least 252 kilometers per hour. They can cause catastrophic damage, which is why authorities typically issue evacuation and coastal safety warnings when such systems threaten populated areas.
