Residents along Mexico’s northern Pacific coast are preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Polo, which is projected to make landfall on Monday evening or early Tuesday. The Category 3 storm features maximum sustained winds of approximately 115 mph (185 km/h) and is expected to pass directly over Baja California Sur, a region well-known for tourism and home to the popular resort area of Los Cabos.
Meteorologists at the U.S.-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) have issued warnings regarding heavy rainfall that could trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas with steep topography. Officials also cautioned about a significant storm surge accompanied by large, destructive waves.
In response to the approaching system, local authorities have taken several precautionary measures. In Cabo San Lucas, famous for its natural rock arch, beach access has been restricted and some restaurants have closed. The regional government of Baja California Sur ordered schools to remain closed on Monday, while Governor Víctor Manuel Castro Cosío confirmed that temporary shelters have been established for potential evacuations.
On the ground, preparations are underway as residents stocked up on essentials such as food and drinking water on Sunday. Federal authorities have deployed thousands of navy and army personnel along with specialized machinery to assist with emergency responses.
The storm has been moving slowly toward the coastline, a trajectory meteorologists attribute to fuel from extremely warm ocean waters driven by the El Niño climate phenomenon.
Did anyone else notice the forecast shifted again? Looks like it might hit further south than expected. Checking NHC updates.
I’m in Los Cabos and this is scary. The arch looks tiny in the wind right now. Hope the shelters are ready.
Stay safe everyone! Warm waters really make these storms worse. Please follow all evacuation orders.