Hurricane Polo Threatens Mexico’s Baja California as Nolo Moves Away from Hawaii

Hurricane Polo is closing in on Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, prompting preparations for a landfall expected Monday. The Category 3 storm carried maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 kph) as of Sunday evening, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. Forecasters warn that Polo will bring dangerous storm surges, high winds, and heavy rainfall, with life-threatening flooding and mudslides likely as the system moves north.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Nolo has drifted further southwest away from Hawaii, yet officials caution that dangerous conditions persist. Nolo’s maximum sustained winds rose to approximately 105 mph (165 kph). High-wind warnings, wind advisories, and high surf advisories remain in effect for parts of the Big Island through Sunday evening.

The impact of Nolo poses a continued threat of life-threatening flooding and mudslides across Hawaii. Forecasters estimate that portions of the Big Island could receive up to 20 inches (50 centimeters) of rain, with heavy precipitation also expected on other islands.

In response to the storm, more than 120 National Guard members were activated on Sunday, bringing the total statewide deployment to roughly 400 personnel following an emergency proclamation by the governor. President Donald Trump recently approved an emergency declaration, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate assistance and provide funding.

Hawaii residents remain in a fragile state as they recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Lala. In Naalehu at the southern tip of the Big Island, Peggy McKibbin surveyed silt-covered roads on a four-wheeler, pointing out lingering damage from the previous storm. Lala destroyed a local bakery, a fire station, and a hardware store, sweeping away approximately 100 homes on the Big Island.

“Everyone has been very much affected by this,” McKibbin said regarding the compounding effects of the recent storms.

The dual storms highlight an unusually active Pacific hurricane season. Bob Oravec, a lead forecaster for the National Weather Service, noted that storm activity is running above average during the peak of the season. He described the pattern as consistent with El Niño conditions, which typically bring increased tropical storm and hurricane activity to the Pacific.

As Polo approaches, the Mexican navy reported that it has gathered personnel and humanitarian aid in the Pacific Coast ports of Guaymas and Mazatlan. Three vessels have been deployed to deliver supplies to coastal communities that may become isolated by the storm.

Forecasters indicate that after crossing Baja California, Polo will hit the Mexican mainland and could bring heavy rain and flooding to parts of the U.S. Southwest later in the week. The system was tracking north at 12 mph (19 kph) on Sunday, located about 270 miles (435 kilometers) west of Cabo San Lucas.