Hurricane Polo Makes Landfall in Baja California

Hurricane Polo made landfall early Tuesday in the Mexican state of Baja California, bringing with it flash flooding and winds that forecasters described as “life-threatening.”

The Category 2 hurricane struck land just south of Las Barrancas, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph (175 kph) while moving northeast. On Monday, Polo was a Category 3 storm with top sustained winds of 115 mph (185 kph).

The hurricane was expected to produce 6-12 inches (about 15 to 30 centimeters) of rain across parts of Baja California Sur. Forecasters had predicted Polo would hit the Mexican mainland with life-threatening winds and flash floods. The storm also could bring heavy rain and flooding to parts of the U.S. Southwest later in the week.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Rachel was moving parallel to Mexico's coast early Tuesday, located about 300 miles (485 kilometers) west-southwest of Acapulco with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph).

The government of the northern Mexican state of Sonora announced Monday night it would suspend all “nonessential” activities, including school, sports and non-essential work in the state capital and more than a dozen municipalities. The Mexican navy reported personnel ready along the northern Pacific coast and deployed three vessels to ship aid to coastal communities. Local authorities along the Baja California Peninsula had shelters ready, suspended travel, and closed regional ports.

Pacific storm activity has been above average this hurricane season, a pattern consistent with El Niño years, according to the National Weather Service. The impact of Hurricane Polo is expected to extend into the U.S. Southwest, with Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Texas anticipating several inches of rain. Hydrologists noted that arid canyons and rocky expanses with little vegetation are prone to flash flooding, with the added tropical weather increasing the risk.

In other Pacific storm activity, Hurricane Nolo, a major hurricane on Monday night, was edging away from Hawaii. Nolo had previously drenched communities in the south and southeastern parts of Hawaii's Big Island over the weekend, leading to rescues by the Hawaii National Guard. The storm was approaching the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, a marine conservation area, with the potential to bring dangerous conditions.