Hurricane Polo has lost some of its punch, dropping from a more powerful classification to a Category 4 storm as it churns through the Pacific Ocean off Mexico’s western coast. Despite the downgrade, Mexico’s National Meteorological Service is warning that the storm could still unleash torrential rain across several states.
Officials have issued alerts for Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, Oaxaca and Jalisco, all along Mexico’s southwestern Pacific coastline, urging residents to brace for flooding and dangerous conditions even though the hurricane isn’t expected to make direct landfall. Forecasters continue to monitor the system closely, since storms can shift course or intensify with little warning.
Meanwhile, further north in the Pacific, a second storm system named Odalys has been gaining strength, reaching Category 1 hurricane status. Its development adds another layer of concern for coastal communities already watching Polo’s movements, as authorities work to keep the public informed about two active hurricanes at once.
Mexico’s Pacific coast, a region popular with tourists and home to major ports and agricultural areas, regularly faces hurricane season threats between roughly May and November. Local governments typically issue evacuation guidance and school closures when storms approach, even if a direct hit isn’t anticipated, given the risk of mudslides and flash flooding from heavy rainfall alone.
You can watch the original video report and get further updates on both storms at telemundo.com.
Source: El huracán Polo se degrada a categoría 4 pero se mantiene la alerta en las costas mexicanas (telemundo.com).
Image: GOES imagery: CSU/CIRA & NOAA.