Storm expected to make second mainland Mexico landfall early Tuesday
The eye of Hurricane Polo was about 75 miles north of Cabo San Lazaro and 95 miles south of Santa Rosalia as of the NHC’s 8 p.m. MST update. The storm carried maximum sustained winds of 115 mph and was moving northeast at 13 mph, with gradual acceleration expected through Tuesday.
“On the forecast track, the core of Polo is expected to make landfall along the coast of Baja California Sur within the next couple of hours, then move inland over southern Sonora on Tuesday morning,” the NHC said.
Hurricane warnings were posted for the west coast of Baja California Sur from Punta Abreojos to Santa Fe, the east coast of Baja California Sur from Loreto to Bahia San Juan Bautista, and mainland Mexico from Bahia Kino to Huatabampito. Hurricane watches covered additional stretches of the peninsula — the west coast from north of Punta Abreojos to Punta Eugenia, the east coast from south of Loreto to San Evaristo and from north of Santa Rosalia to Bahia San Juan Bautista — and mainland Mexico south of Huatabampito to Topolobampo. Tropical storm warnings covered the same areas under hurricane watch.
The NHC said rainfall totals of 6 to 12 inches were expected across parts of Baja California Sur. “This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain,” the center said.
After crossing the peninsula, Polo was forecast to remain at major hurricane strength when it makes a second landfall early Tuesday in mainland Mexico. The storm was expected to rapidly weaken as it moves inland over the mainland.