Millions of people along Mexico’s Pacific coast are preparing for a powerful hurricane moving rapidly toward the region.
Category 3 Hurricane Polo is closing in on Baja California, bringing the threat of life-threatening flash floods, destructive winds and enormous waves before its expected landfall within hours.
Polo’s sustained winds are near 115 mph, and the National Hurricane Center expects the storm to reach the western coast of Baja California Sur late this afternoon or evening.
Forecasters say Polo could still be near major-hurricane strength when it reaches land, then weaken while crossing the rugged peninsula and moving inland toward mainland Mexico late Monday or early Tuesday.
In fishing communities such as Puerto San Carlos, residents are boarding up houses and piling dirt and debris along embankments to defend against rising tides and powerful surf.
Mexico’s Civil Protection agency has called for evacuations in vulnerable coastal areas. Many residents are moving inland to shelters in places including Ciudad Constitución.
Schools across Baja California and Sonora have suspended in-person classes as the storm approaches.
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Rainfall totals of 6 to 12 inches are possible in parts of Baja California Sur, creating a serious danger of flash floods and mudslides, particularly in mountainous areas. Storm surge and large, damaging waves are also expected along the Pacific shoreline.
After crossing Baja California, Polo is forecast to make another landfall in southern or central Sonora late tonight or early Tuesday, then rapidly lose strength over land.
Southern California is expected to face dangerous surf and strong rip currents as swells generated by Polo move north toward area beaches.
Moisture drawn northward from the hurricane could also produce heavy rain and coastal flooding in parts of the U.S. Southwest from later today through Tuesday.
The Mexican navy has deployed personnel and emergency supplies to Pacific ports, including Guaymas and Mazatlan. Soldiers have also established shelters in isolated, high-risk communities such as San Juanico.
The National Hurricane Center is advising everyone in Polo’s projected path to finish preparations immediately, warning that conditions could worsen quickly throughout the day.
