Hurricane Polo Threatens Baja California Sur with Category 3 Landfall

Hurricane Polo is set to make a dangerous Category 3 landfall on Baja California Sur’s Pacific coast this evening, bringing sustained winds near 115 mph and 6‑12 inches of rain. Mexican authorities have urged residents of Loreto, Ciudad Constitución and other small towns to prepare, with beach access closed and maritime activity suspended. Temporary shelters have opened in five municipalities, and 78 people were already evacuated to a shelter in Ciudad Constitución. The storm is expected to cause life‑threatening flash floods, mudslides and coastal surge, potentially disrupting power and internet for hours. After crossing the peninsula, Polo may weaken but could strike southern Sonora as a hurricane, adding a second landfall. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Rachel is moving offshore and may strengthen into a hurricane later in the week.