Hurricane Polo has rapidly intensified into an extremely powerful Category 5 storm off Mexico’s Pacific coast, with authorities warning of life-threatening flooding, mudslides and dangerous surf.
The storm strengthened dramatically on Tuesday, with a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft recording maximum sustained winds of 180 mph (285 km/h) and a central pressure of 892 millibars. The National Hurricane Center described Polo as an “extremely dangerous” Category 5 hurricane.
Polo was nearly stationary at the time of the strongest aircraft measurements, about 215 miles (345km) south of Zihuatanejo and 355 miles (570km) southeast of Manzanillo. Forecasters expected it to move generally west-northwest while remaining offshore from southwestern Mexico.
By Tuesday night, Polo remained a Category 5 hurricane, although its sustained winds had eased to about 165 mph (270 km/h). The National Hurricane Center said fluctuations in strength were expected over the following days, but the storm was likely to remain a powerful major hurricane. Although Polo’s core was forecast to stay offshore, its slow movement was expected to bring significant rainfall to parts of southwestern Mexico. The National Hurricane Center warned that heavy rain could trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in mountainous areas.
A tropical storm warning was issued for part of the coast from Tecpan de Galeana to Punta San Telmo, while a tropical storm watch covered areas farther west. Coastal communities were also warned about dangerous swells and rip currents generated by the hurricane.
Mexican authorities urged residents along the Pacific coast to remain alert as the storm approached its closest point to land. Guerrero and Michoacán were among the areas expected to face the greatest rainfall threat.
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