Mexico’s Pacific Coast Braces for Hurricane Polo

People living on the northern Pacific coast of Mexico are bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Polo, which is forecast to make landfall later on Monday or early on Tuesday.

The category‑three storm, with maximum sustained winds near 115 mph (185 km/h), is expected to move over the state of Baja California Sur, a popular tourist destination that includes Los Cabos. Meteorologists have warned of heavy rainfall that could trigger life‑threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain.

Residents on Sunday are stocking up on essentials such as drinking water and food as the storm approaches. The National Hurricane Center also issued a storm‑surge warning, highlighting the potential for large, destructive waves.

In Cabo San Lucas, authorities restricted beach access and some restaurants closed, affecting the local hospitality and adventure‑tourism industry.

The regional government of Baja California Sur ordered schools to remain closed on Monday as a preventive measure. Governor Víctor Manuel Castro Cosío announced that temporary shelters had been opened for possible evacuations.

Federal authorities have deployed thousands of navy and army personnel, alongside specialised machinery, to support disaster response efforts.

The storm has been slowly moving toward Mexico’s coastline, fed by extremely warm waters caused by the El Niño climate phenomenon, a situation that underscores the amplified risks posed by climate change.