Overview
- Polo, which reached Category 5 strength on Tuesday after an unprecedented rapid intensification, produced hurricane‑hunter wind readings as high as about 180 mph and ranked among the most powerful eastern Pacific storms on record.
- The National Hurricane Center says the hurricane’s core is expected to track northwestward parallel to Mexico’s coast and remain offshore while outer bands bring hazardous conditions to coastal areas.
- Forecasters expect several inches of rain for Guerrero and Michoacán with isolated totals up to 12 inches, creating a real risk of life‑threatening flooding and mudslides in steep terrain.
- Officials and weather services have closed ports, suspended schools and issued tropical‑storm watches as Polo generates large swells and dangerous rip currents that could also affect Baja and Southern California and send moisture into the U.S. Southwest.
- Scientists link Polo’s explosive growth to very warm eastern Pacific sea‑surface temperatures tied to a strong El Niño and say the event underscores how warmer oceans are increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme rapid intensification events.