Storm Polo weakens over Mexico as Rachel gathers strength offshore
SPY•Tropical Storm Polo weakened to 65 mph winds after making a second landfall in northwestern Mexico, while Tropical Storm Rachel strengthened to 70 mph and was forecast to become a major hurricane by Thursday.
1. Polo weakens inland
Polo came ashore near Guaymas on Tuesday as a Category 1 hurricane after crossing the Baja California peninsula the day before. By 2 p.m. MST, its maximum sustained winds had fallen to 65 mph, and rapid weakening was expected as it moved farther inland.
2. Rain and damage risks
The National Hurricane Center said Polo could bring 4 to 6 inches of rain across southern and central Sonora, with isolated totals of up to 8 inches, raising the risk of life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Before its second landfall, Polo crossed Baja California Sur as a Category 2 hurricane, flooding crossings and toppling palm trees and utility poles. The state's governor said no deaths had been reported.
3. Rachel strengthens offshore
Rachel had 70 mph winds about 270 miles west-southwest of Lazaro Cardenas. The National Hurricane Center forecast it would become a hurricane Tuesday night and a major hurricane by Thursday, moving parallel to but remaining offshore of southwestern Mexico.
