Hurricane Polo is gaining strength as it approaches the coast of Baja California Sur, with landfall expected next week.
According to an update from NOAA, the hurricane’s wind speeds have reached an impressive 180 mph, surpassing the threshold for a Category 5 hurricane.
The advisory noted, “Recent satellite intensity estimates indicate that Polo has significantly strengthened with maximum sustained winds now estimated to be 180 mph.” Another advisory mentioned possible “fluctuations in intensity” on Friday, with some weakening predicted over the weekend.
Forecasters anticipate Polo will be a powerful hurricane near Baja California Sur early next week. While it’s not expected to hit California directly, its current trajectory suggests it could move through Mexico before reaching Texas and New Mexico by midweek.
There are concerns about severe impacts in Baja California Sur, including heavy rains that could lead to flooding and mudslides. American tourists have been cautioned about the potential dangers of staying during the storm. They are advised to pay attention to local media and adhere to officials’ guidance.
Local residents have been told to “closely watch” the storm, as NOAA has indicated that watches could be issued as early as Saturday.
Meteorologist Max Velocity expressed his astonishment on social media regarding the hurricane’s remarkable strength. He remarked, “This is an extraordinary milestone: Polo is the first hurricane on record to reach Category 5 strength three separate times with all three peaks occurring in the Eastern Pacific.” He continued, “And at 180 mph, Polo has once again reached the third-highest wind speed ever recorded in the Eastern Pacific. Polo is certainly one for the history books.”
In another post, he referred to the hurricane as an “absolute monster.”
The effects of the hurricane on California remain uncertain, but coastal cities are preparing for large waves that could inundate beaches and flood areas such as homes and parking lots. The National Weather Service is also predicting elevated surf and dangerous rip currents along Southern California beaches starting this weekend and continuing into next week, as several southerly swells approach the coast.
In Long Beach and Newport Beach, efforts are underway to rebuild sand barriers that were damaged by Hurricane Marie earlier this month. However, there’s concern that they might not complete the repairs in time for Hurricane Polo. A Long Beach resident, Charley Snyder, expressed his worry, stating, “Everything is not built back up again, so it’s a little nerve-wracking for sure.”
