Southwestern Mexico is on high alert as Hurricane Polo, classified as an “extremely dangerous” Pacific cyclone, moves parallel to the coast of Guerrero state. The National Hurricane Center in Miami predicts 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) of rain through Thursday, raising serious concerns about life‑threatening flooding and mudslides in the region’s rural, mountainous communities.
Local business owner Concepción López Villegas, who runs a seaside restaurant in Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán, said she is scrambling to protect her decades‑old establishment. “We’re worried and trying to protect our businesses,” she said, adding that the storm threatens the heritage and legacy she has built.
Government response in Mexico
President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexican authorities have issued evacuation orders for vulnerable areas and opened shelters for residents at risk. Thousands of military personnel and Red Cross volunteers have been deployed to assist with preparations and to provide aid if needed.
Although meteorologists say Polo is not expected to make landfall, strong waves are already battering the coast, and the hurricane center warns that the storm’s deluge could cause severe flash flooding, especially in Guerrero, a state repeatedly battered by hurricanes in recent years.
Storm Nolo threatens Hawaii
Meanwhile, in the central Pacific, Tropical Storm Nolo is gathering strength about 310 miles (498 kilometers) south of South Point, Hawaii. The National Weather Service forecasts that Nolo could intensify into a major hurricane before reaching the Big Island as early as Friday.
John Bravender, a meteorologist with the Weather Service, warned that the storm could dump 20 to 30 inches (50 to 76 centimeters) of rain on the southeastern part of the island, the same area hit hard by Hurricane Lala in August. “That by itself could cause catastrophic flooding, but when you put that on top of grounds that we’ve been raining off and on for the last couple of months … that rain could cause even more damage,” Bravender said.
Hawaiian officials are urging residents to prepare now, emphasizing the need for non‑perishable food, potable water, and readiness for possible prolonged power outages. Kauai’s electric cooperative and Hawaiian Electric have both warned of potential outages and are mobilizing crews to assist vulnerable communities.
Other Pacific activity
In addition to Polo and Nolo, Hurricane Odalys is tracking west‑southwest of the Baja California peninsula with sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph). While not expected to make landfall, forecasters note that Odalys could fluctuate in strength over the coming days before likely weakening later in the week.
Authorities in both Mexico and Hawaii continue to monitor the evolving weather systems and encourage residents to stay informed through official channels.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
