Key facts
- Hurricane Polo intensified to Category 5 strength off Mexico's Pacific coast.
- Maximum sustained winds reached 180 mph (285 km/h).
- The storm is moving slowly and is expected to skirt the coast of southwestern Mexico.
- Torrential rainfall is forecast, with potential for deadly flooding and mudslides.
- Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum urged vigilance but stated direct landfall is not expected.
Hurricane Polo rapidly intensified off the coast of Mexico on Tuesday to become one of the most powerful storms of the season in the Pacific Ocean, reaching Category 5 strength. A Hurricane Hunter aircraft recorded sustained wind speeds near 180 mph (285 km/h), with stronger gusts. The National Hurricane Center called the storm 'extremely dangerous' and noted its rapid intensification over 24 hours was 'truly remarkable'.
The slow-moving storm is being fueled by extremely warm waters associated with the El Niño climate phenomenon, making it the season's third Category 5 storm. While predicted to skirt the coast of south-western Mexico, direct landfall is not expected, according to a NOAA warning. As Polo drifts northwest, it is forecast to bring torrential rainfall to parts of Mexico's south-west coast, potentially leading to deadly flooding and mudslides. Rainfall totals of up to 6 inches (15cm) are forecast, with 8 inches possible in some areas. Residents have also been warned of large ocean swells and life-threatening surf conditions.
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Tuesday that information indicated Polo would not make direct landfall but urged residents along the Pacific coast to be vigilant, highlighting Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán as states at risk. Data from the Hurricane Hunter aircraft suggested Polo could still strengthen and likely remain a Category 5 storm for several days due to the "very conducive" environment of warm ocean waters.