Hurricane Polo to hit Mexico's Baja California Sur Monday or Tuesday
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Hurricane Polo, a category three storm with winds near 115 mph, is forecast to make landfall on Mexico's northern Pacific coast late Monday or early Tuesday. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and life-threatening flooding to Baja California Sur, a region popular with tourists. Authorities have closed schools and opened shelters as residents stock up on essentials.
Key Facts
- Hurricane Polo is a category three storm with maximum sustained winds near 115 mph (185 km/h).
- The National Hurricane Center warns of heavy rainfall that could lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain.
- The regional government of Baja California Sur has ordered schools to remain closed on Monday as a preventive measure.
- Governor Víctor Manuel Castro Cosío said temporary shelters have been opened for residents who may need to be evacuated.
- Federal authorities have deployed thousands of navy and army personnel along with specialised machinery.
Storm Forecast
Hurricane Polo is forecast to make landfall on Mexico's northern Pacific coast late Monday or early Tuesday. The storm is expected to move over Baja California Sur, a region popular with tourists and home to the resort destination of Los Cabos. Meteorologists at the US-based National Hurricane Center have warned of heavy rainfall which could lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain. Polo has been slowly moving towards Mexico's coastline, fuelled by extremely warm waters caused by the El Niño climate phenomenon.
Preparations and Response
Residents on Sunday stocked up on essentials such as drinking water and food as the storm approached. In Cabo San Lucas, famous for its natural rock arch, authorities restricted access to the beaches and some restaurants closed. The regional government of Baja California Sur has ordered schools to remain closed on Monday as a preventive measure. Governor Víctor Manuel Castro Cosío said temporary shelters had been opened should residents need to be evacuated. Federal authorities have deployed thousands of members of the navy and the army along with specialised machinery.
Storm Surge Warning
The National Hurricane Center warned of the storm surge Hurricane Polo could unleash, which it said could be accompanied by large and destructive waves. Lifeguards raised red flags on the beaches of Baja California Sur to alert holidaymakers of the hazardous sea conditions.
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