Mexico's Pacific coast braces for Hurricane Polo's life-threatening landfall
EWZ•Hurricane Polo, a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds near 115 mph, was forecast to reach Baja California Sur on Monday, bringing 6 to 12 inches of rain and risks of life-threatening flooding and mudslides.
1. Storm approaches Baja California Sur
Mexican authorities urged residents to prepare for Polo's arrival on Monday, warning of life-threatening winds and flash floods. Early Monday, the hurricane was about 125 miles southwest of Cabo San Lazaro, with maximum sustained winds near 115 mph and higher gusts.
2. Preparations and damage
Business owners in Loreto and Ciudad Constitucion boarded up windows and doors. The storm has prompted evacuations, port closures and school cancellations; two children died after their home was swept away in Jalisco, their parents remain missing, and a young woman was swept away by currents on Puerto Vallarta beaches.
3. Possible second landfall
Polo was expected to remain near major hurricane strength as it reached Baja California Sur, then weaken after passing the peninsula. It could still make a second landfall on mainland Mexico as a hurricane late Monday or early Tuesday.
