Mexico’s northern Pacific coast faced strong winds and rising water levels on Monday as Hurricane Polo neared Baja California Sur, posing threats of high winds, floods, and mudslides. Meanwhile, Hurricane Nolo continued to pose a risk of heavy rainfall in parts of Hawaii as it moved away from the state.
In Puerto San Carlos, a fishing town with a population of approximately 5,700, residents were concerned as high tides and pounding waves breached sea barriers due to Hurricane Polo. Many people in the region evacuated to nearby shelters in schools and other facilities.
Rocío Sánchez, a fisherwoman in San Carlos, expressed concern about the risk of flooding, stating that the earthen barriers might not withstand the current tides, expected waves, and wind.
Hurricane Polo, classified as a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 185 km/h on Monday morning by the U.S. National Hurricane Center, was projected to make landfall in Mexico after impacting Baja California Sur with heavy rains. Forecasters warned of “life-threatening winds and flash floods” in the region, with potential heavy rain and flooding extending to parts of the U.S. Southwest later in the week.
Residents like Margarita Bobadilla sought refuge in local shelters, prioritizing safety over material possessions. As preparations continued, Laura Velázquez from Mexico’s Civil Protection Agency advised residents to stay indoors and seek shelter if necessary.
The Pacific region experienced heightened storm activity, attributed to the peak of the hurricane season and El Niño weather patterns. While Hurricane Polo was expected to weaken over northern Mexico, remnants of the storm were forecasted to bring additional rainfall to states like Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas, already grappling with saturated conditions and recent flooding incidents.
On the other hand, Hurricane Nolo moved away from Hawaii over the weekend, causing heavy rainfall in parts of the Big Island. Damage assessments were ongoing as Nolo moved westward, prompting highway closures due to flooding and debris blocking roadways. Power outages affected over 10,000 households and businesses on Maui, primarily on the island’s west side.
In Hawaii, recovery efforts from previous natural disasters, including Kona low storms, earthquakes, and other hurricanes, had already impacted over 1,290 homes and resulted in nearly $700 million US in damage and recovery costs.