Los Angeles is preparing for hazardous coastal conditions as powerful Hurricane Polo sends its effects across California’s Pacific shoreline.
The Los Angeles Emergency Management Department issued an alert Friday evening warning of “dangerous coastal weather” linked to Polo and the broader influence of Hurricane Odalys.
Officials are forecasting coastal flooding, beach erosion and dangerous surf from Sunday night through Wednesday.
“Moderate coastal flooding is expected in the Los Angeles area,” the alert states. Authorities also warned of a heightened drowning risk as widespread, powerful rip currents could pull swimmers and surfers away from shore. Large waves may cause injuries, sweep people from beaches and rocky areas, or overturn small boats close to shore. Additional beach erosion is also anticipated.
High tide could flood coastal parking lots, beaches and walkways in Los Angeles. Residents worried about rising water can collect sandbags at Los Angeles city fire stations.
Cities along the California coast, including Long Beach and Newport Beach, have started preparing after Hurricane Marie battered the region. However, forecasters do not expect Polo to make a direct impact on California.
NOAA forecasts that Hurricane Polo will reach Baja California Sur on Monday as “a strong hurricane.” The system had weakened to Category 4 strength by Saturday after rapidly intensifying into a powerful Category 5 storm Friday.
Polo was producing maximum sustained winds of 145 miles per hour Saturday morning. Forecasters expect the hurricane to undergo more “gradual weakening” before reaching Mexico.
A Hurricane Watch is in effect from Punta Eugenia to Santa Fe in Baja California Sur. NOAA generally issues such watches about 48 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected to begin.
U.S. Embassy officials have cautioned American travelers against remaining in the area during the storm. Tourists have been urged to monitor local media and follow instructions from local authorities.
Polo is expected to move across Baja California Sur before crossing into mainland Mexico. The storm should continue weakening before its remnants reach parts of Texas and New Mexico.
Internet meteorologist Max Velocity warned that rainfall in Baja California Sur could lead to flooding and mudslides throughout the popular tourist destination.
“Heavy rainfall could also become a major threat, with life-threatening flooding and mudslides possible across Baja California Sur, especially in areas of steep terrain. Polo may finally be weakening, but it is still an extremely dangerous hurricane heading toward Mexico, and its remnants could contribute to flooding across the southwestern and central United States in the coming days…” he wrote.
