Mexico’s northern Pacific coast faced strong winds and flooding as Hurricane Polo approached Baja California Sur, posing risks of high winds, floods, and mudslides. While Hurricane Nolo moved away from Hawaii, it still threatened the region with heavy rainfall. In Puerto San Carlos, a fishing town with a population of around 5,700, residents were concerned about sea barriers being breached by Polo’s high tides and pounding waves. Evacuations were underway, with hundreds seeking refuge in nearby shelters.
Hurricane Polo, classified as a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 185 km/h, was predicted to bring significant rainfall of 15 to 30 centimeters to parts of Baja California Sur. The storm was expected to hit the Mexican mainland after impacting Baja California Sur, potentially causing life-threatening winds and flash floods. The government of Sonora, a northern Mexican state, announced the suspension of non-essential activities in anticipation of the hurricane’s arrival.
Residents in Baja California Sur prepared for the storm’s impact, with some seeking shelter in schools for safety. Mexico’s Civil Protection Agency warned of the impending landfall of Polo and advised residents to stay indoors and take necessary precautions. Concurrently, Tropical Storm Rachel was forming over Mexico’s southwest coast, exhibiting sustained winds of 96 km/h.
The Pacific region had experienced heightened storm activity, attributed to the peak of hurricane season and El Niño conditions. The aftermath of Polo was expected to bring additional rainfall to the U.S. Southwest, including Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas. Meanwhile, in Hawaii, Nolo caused flooding in south and southeastern areas of the Big Island, prompting rescue operations by the Hawaii National Guard.
As Nolo moved away from Hawaii towards the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, damage assessments were ongoing. Thousands of households and businesses on Maui experienced power outages due to storm-related damage. Hawaii had been grappling with a series of natural disasters throughout the year, including hurricanes and earthquakes, resulting in significant property damage and recovery costs.