Hurricane Polo Lashes Mexican Coastline as Category 4 Storm, Threatens California
The powerful storm, which briefly reached Category 5 strength, is bringing high winds, torrential rain, and dangerous surf to Mexico's Pacific coast and is forecast to impact California.
Hurricane Polo has intensified into a Category 4 storm, battering Mexico's Pacific coastline with sustained winds of 155 mph. The powerful hurricane, which had briefly reached Category 5 strength, is unleashing monster waves, torrential rain, and fierce winds along coastal communities.
The National Hurricane Center reported that Polo was churning west-northwest, approximately 195 miles southwest of Zihuatanejo and 150 miles south of Manzanillo, on Thursday. Dramatic videos circulating on social media depict the storm's outer bands lashing Acapulco, with enormous waves crashing against the shore and fierce winds sweeping across the waterfront. Residents have also reported heavy downpours and lightning.
Authorities in Mexico have closed several Pacific ports as a result of the dangerous seas, flooding, and heavy rain threatening coastal areas. The National Hurricane Center warned of life-threatening surf, rip currents, and coastal flooding associated with the storm's swells. Forecasters indicated that Polo's hurricane-force winds extend up to 40 miles from its center, with tropical-storm-force winds reaching outward up to 125 miles.
AccuWeather anticipates that Hurricane Polo will eventually turn toward the Baja California Peninsula, with a potential landfall late Sunday into Monday after weakening. According to Nicholas Arman, an AccuWeather hurricane expert, the storm's trajectory could also draw moisture towards Texas. While California is not expected to experience a direct hit, the storm's effects may still be felt along its Southern coast.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service predict that counties such as San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles could see swells of 4 to 7 feet, along with dangerous rip currents, increased humidity, and a slight chance of rain in the coming days. The latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center shows Polo moving away from southwestern Mexico, though its strength may fluctuate over the next several days. The storm's rapid intensification has made it one of the most potent systems in the eastern Pacific this season.