Residents in Baja California Sur, Mexico, prepared for the arrival of Hurricane Polo on Monday. Communities boarded up homes and fortified embankments to protect against high winds, floods, and mudslides. Meanwhile, Hurricane Nolo threatened parts of Hawaii with torrential rain despite moving away from the state.
Polo’s Impact on Mexico
In Puerto San Carlos, a fishing town with around 5,700 residents, concerns grew over high tides and waves potentially breaching barriers. Many families considered heading to shelters in Ciudad Constitucion, located 37 miles (60 kilometers) away. Civil Protection advised residents to evacuate as San Carlos posed high risks due to tides, waves, and wind, reported Rocío Sánchez, a fisherwoman.
Polo’s Intensity
The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported Polo as a Category 3 storm with sustained winds reaching 115 mph (185 kph). The storm was expected to hit the Mexican mainland after impacting Baja California Sur. The center warned of life-threatening winds and flash floods.
By Monday morning, waves began inundating coastal areas. Laura Velázquez from Mexico’s Civil Protection Agency urged residents to avoid streets and seek shelter if necessary. The area expecting landfall suspended travel and closed ports.
Nolo’s Effects in Hawaii
Hurricane Nolo moved southwest of Hawaii by the weekend’s end. Despite its distance, advisories remained due to wind and high surf. Nolo’s winds increased to 155 mph (249 kph). Fire Captain Lui Sales assisted residents near Naalehu, Hawaii, as Nolo’s rains flooded local areas.
Increased Pacific Storm Activity
National Weather Service forecaster Bob Oravec mentioned above-average Pacific storm activity, attributed to El Niño conditions. With Polo’s approach, Mexico’s navy amassed personnel and aid in Pacific ports like Guaymas and Mazatlan. Vessels readied to assist isolated coastal communities.
San Juanico, a small fishing community in Baja with recent full-time electricity, worried about washed-out roads hindering medical access. Gloriely Robles Meza from a local hotel noted the community’s concerns and an army presence preparing shelters for emergencies.
Tropical Storm Rachel developed southwest of Mexico with winds of 50 mph (85 kph) but no coastal warnings were issued.
Ongoing Concerns in Hawaii
Nolo’s outer bands threatened Hawaii with flooding and mudslides, potentially bringing 20 inches (50 centimeters) of rain. The National Guard activated over 120 members, part of a 400-member statewide deployment. President Donald Trump authorized FEMA support after an emergency declaration.
Elizabeth Adams from the National Hurricane Center noted deteriorating conditions near Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. Power outages persisted, affecting over 10,000 on Maui. Hawaiian Electric reported storm-related damage prevented helicopter assessments.
Past hurricane Lala reminded residents of potential devastation, having swept about 100 homes off foundations with previous severe weather.
Journalists Eduardo Verdugo in San Carlos, Megan Janetsky in Mexico City, Julie Walker in New York, Eugene Garcia, and Gregory Bull in Hawaii contributed to this report.
Support independent and credible journalism to maintain a healthy democracy.