OMM Redaksiyası
Hurricane Polo approached Mexico’s Baja California Sur state on Monday evening. The hurricane could bring destructive winds, flooding and storm surges along the Pacific coast before crossing the peninsula and making a second landfall on the mainland.
According to information released by the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 5 p.m. local time, Polo could initially make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane. However, the expected impact area is less populated than the Los Cabos resort corridor farther south.
Risk of flooding and landslides
According to the forecast, the hurricane could cross the Gulf of California and reach southern Sonora on Tuesday morning while retaining hurricane strength. It is expected to weaken rapidly as it moves inland.
On Monday afternoon, Polo was located about 125 kilometers west-southwest of Cabo San Lazaro. According to the NHC, maximum sustained winds reached 185 kilometers per hour, with stronger gusts also recorded.
Between 15 and 30 centimeters of rain is expected in Baja California Sur, increasing the risk of dangerous flooding and landslides.
Authorities have restricted beach access in high-risk areas and suspended maritime activities. Temporary shelters have been opened in five municipalities. By Monday morning, 78 people had been accommodated at a shelter in Ciudad Constitucion.
Residents in coastal communities, including Loreto and Ciudad Constitucion, covered windows and entrances with protective materials ahead of the hurricane.
Authorities warn residents
Mexico’s civil protection authorities urged residents to remain calm and stay indoors. They warned that electricity and internet services could be disrupted for several hours.
People living in areas where their homes are at risk were advised to move to temporary shelters. Polo had previously caused heavy rain, strong winds and destructive waves along Mexico’s Pacific coast, prompting evacuations, port closures and the cancellation of classes.
Second landfall possible in Sonora
The NHC forecast that Polo would reach southern Sonora late Monday or early Tuesday. The area could receive an additional 10 to 15 centimeters of rain, with up to 20 centimeters possible in some locations.
Storm surges and large, destructive waves are expected in parts of the Baja California Peninsula and along Mexico’s Pacific coast on the mainland.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Rachel was located about 362 kilometers from Acapulco and was moving west-northwest at approximately 13 kilometers per hour. The NHC said Rachel could strengthen into a hurricane by midweek, but was expected to remain offshore and move parallel to Mexico’s southwestern coast.
