Hurricane Polo approaches Baja California Sur as Nolo moves away from Hawaii

Hurricane Polo approached Mexico’s Baja California Sur peninsula late Sunday, threatening the region with storm surge, heavy rain, flooding and mudslides. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Polo had weakened to a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of about 125 mph (205 kph) and was expected to reach the peninsula Monday before crossing toward mainland Mexico.

Authorities closed schools, restricted access to beaches and opened temporary shelters. Mexico deployed military personnel and equipment, while the Mexican navy gathered personnel and humanitarian aid and deployed vessels. Residents in areas including Cabo San Lucas stocked up on food and water. Polo had already brought damaging seas to Mexico’s southwestern coast, where flooding and large waves struck communities in Michoacán.

Polo previously fluctuated between Categories 4 and 5. The Guardian reported that a measurement of 892 millibars was registered for Polo on September 22, making it the second-most intense eastern Pacific hurricane on record. Forecasters said exceptionally warm Pacific waters helped fuel the storm.

Farther west, Hurricane Nolo moved away from Hawaii’s Big Island on Sunday, although high-wind and surf advisories remained in effect and outer rain bands still posed flooding and mudslide risks. Hawaii activated National Guard members and received a federal emergency declaration as communities continued recovering from Hurricane Lala. Nolo’s sustained winds had risen to about 105 mph (165 kph), but its track was carrying it farther southwest of the islands.