Hurricane Polo is intensifying as it stalks Baja California Sur’s coast ahead of its projected landfall next week.
The hurricane’s wind speeds have been estimated at 180 mph, well above the Category 5 threshold, NOAA said in an update Friday morning.
“Recent satellite intensity estimates indicate that Polo has significantly strengthened with maximum sustained winds now estimated to be 180 mph,” the public advisory said. A subsequent advisory said to expect “fluctuations in intensity” on Friday and “some weakening” this weekend.
Forecasters ultimately expect it to near Baja California Sur as a strong hurricane early next week.
While the hurricane is not currently projected to make landfall in California, the hurricane’s current track carries it through Mexico to Texas and New Mexico by midweek next week.
Devastating effects in Baja California Sur including heavy rainfall that could cause flooding and mudslides is anticipated. Embassy officials have warned American tourists about the danger of staying for the storm, and have advised them to listen to local media and follow directions of local officials.
NOAA forecasters have advised locals to “closely watch” the storm as watches could issued as soon as Saturday.
Internet meteorolgist Max Velocity expressed amazement on X at the storm’s spectacular strength.
“This is an extraordinary milestone: Polo is the first hurricane on record to reach Category 5 strength three separate times with all three peaks occurring in the Eastern Pacific,” he wrote. “And at 180 mph, Polo has once again reached the third-highest wind speed ever recorded in the Eastern Pacific. Polo is certainly one for the history books.”
He called the hurricane an “absolute monster” in a separate post.
The full effect of the hurricane on California is unknown, but coastal cities are preparing for the storm to bring large waves that will batter beaches and potentially flood homes or parking lots.
The National Weather Service is also forecasting elevated surf and powerful rip currents along Southern California beaches beginning this weekend and stretching into next week as several southerly swells roll toward the coast.
The cities of Long Beach and Newport Beach are attempting to rebuild sand barriers eroded by Hurricane Marie earlier this month before they’re hammered even more. Some are unsure they’ll be able to rebuild them in time for Hurricane Polo.
“Everything is not built back up again, so it’s a little nerve-wracking for sure,” Long Beach resident Charley Snyder told NBC4.
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