What happened
A powerful Category 3 hurricane, Hurricane Polo, is approaching the Pacific coast of Mexico, bringing with it life-threatening flash floods, strong winds, and massive surf. The storm is expected to make landfall in Baja California Sur late in the day or evening, with sustained winds of near 115 mph.
Residents in the area are preparing for the storm's arrival, with many boarding up their homes and evacuating to shelters in inland towns and cities. The Mexican government's emergency management system has urged evacuations from high-risk coastal zones, and in-person classes have been suspended at schools across Baja California and Sonora.
Forecasters are warning of 6 to 12 inches of rain across parts of Baja California Sur, which could lead to deadly flash flooding and mudslides. Storm surge and large, destructive waves are also expected along the Pacific coast. After crossing Baja California, the storm is projected to make a second landfall in southern or central Sonora before rapidly weakening over land.
The storm has already caused damage in some areas, with reports of flooding and strong winds in Baja California. The Mexican navy has stationed personnel and aid in Pacific ports, and soldiers have set up shelters in remote, vulnerable communities.
