At a Glance

• Hurricane Polo approached Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula with strong winds, heavy rain, and flood risks.
• Residents in vulnerable coastal communities prepared to evacuate as high tides and waves threatened barriers.
• Hurricane Nolo moved away from Hawaii but continued to pose risks of flooding and mudslides.
• Tropical Storm Rachel also formed off Mexico’s southwest coast.

---

Hurricane Polo approached Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula Monday, bringing the risk of strong winds, flooding, and mudslides, while Hurricane Nolo continued to threaten parts of Hawaii with heavy rain.

---

Key Statements and Focus Area

• Evacuation Warning: “Civil Protection told those of us here in San Carlos to evacuate because this is a high-risk area.” — Fisherman Rocio Sanchez.
• Local Concerns: “We haven’t faced such a worrying situation in many years.” — Hotel manager Gloriely Robles Meza.
• Focus Area: Pacific storm activity has intensified during the peak of the hurricane season, with Mexico and Hawaii facing separate weather threats.

---

Polo reached Category 3 strength Sunday evening, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Forecasters warned that the storm could bring life-threatening flooding and mudslides before reaching mainland Mexico, followed by heavy rain in parts of the U.S. Southwest later in the week.

In Puerto San Carlos, a fishing town of about 5,700 people, residents prepared for possible coastal flooding. Some families planned to travel to shelters in Ciudad Constitucion, about 37 miles away.

Workers moved dirt and rubble to reinforce embankments as residents prepared for high tides and waves. Authorities were particularly concerned that seawater could breach the barriers protecting low-lying areas.

Mexico’s navy positioned personnel and humanitarian supplies at ports in Guaymas and Mazatlan and deployed three vessels that could deliver aid to coastal communities cut off by the storm.

San Juanico, another small fishing community along Baja California’s Pacific coast, was also in Polo’s projected path. Residents expressed concern that damaged roads could prevent access to medical facilities.

Soldiers arrived in the community Sunday to prepare a shelter and assist with emergency preparations. The area has had full-time electricity only for several years and continues to experience power outages.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Rachel formed off Mexico’s southwestern coast Sunday. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and was about 300 miles south of Acapulco. No coastal watches or warnings were issued.

Hawaii Faces Continued Rain Threat

Hurricane Nolo was moving away from Hawaii but remained capable of producing dangerous weather. Its maximum sustained winds reached about 105 mph, while high-wind, wind, and high-surf advisories remained in effect for parts of the Big Island.

Forecasters warned that Nolo’s outer bands could trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Some areas of the Big Island could receive up to 20 inches of rain, with heavy rainfall also expected on other islands.

More than 120 National Guard members were activated after the governor issued an emergency proclamation, bringing the statewide deployment to about 400 personnel. President Donald Trump also approved an emergency declaration allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate assistance and provide funding support.

Hawaii is still recovering from Hurricane Lala, which brought heavy rain and strong winds that swept about 100 homes from their foundations on the Big Island.

FYI

The Pacific has experienced above-average storm activity during the peak of the hurricane season, according to National Weather Service lead forecaster Bob Oravec. He said the pattern is consistent with El Niño years, when the Pacific often experiences increased tropical storm and hurricane activity.

Dive Deeper: Handpicked Stories for You

Follow Channel8 for continuous updates:

Nepal Avalanche Kills Four as Rescuers Search for 12

Floods and Landslides Kill 68 in India and Nepal

Climate Action Now Hinges on Speed, Finance, and Cooperation