Hurricane Polo Mexico impacts intensified Thursday as heavy rain battered the country’s Pacific coast.
At the same time, Hurricane Nolo strengthened near Hawaii and threatened dangerous flooding on the Big Island.
Nolo became a hurricane Thursday night, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Forecasters expect it to strengthen further over the weekend.
Hurricane Polo Mexico Coast Faces Flooding
Polo brought powerful waves and heavy rain to Mexico’s southwestern coast.
The storm has fluctuated between Category 4 and Category 5 strength. It remained offshore while threatening coastal communities with flooding and landslides.
In Lázaro Cárdenas, seawater swept into homes. Strong waves also scattered wooden planks and furniture across streets.
Mexican authorities opened shelters and moved residents away from high-risk coastal areas.
Authorities also deployed around 15,000 security personnel along the coast and suspended schools in affected areas.
Hurricane Polo Damages Coastal Communities
Polo created serious problems in Guerrero and Michoacán.
These southwestern states contain fishing villages, tourist towns and several small ports. Many communities remain vulnerable to flooding and landslides.
In Lázaro Cárdenas, residents and officials cleared debris from damaged beachfront businesses.
Restaurant owner Alicia Contreras said waves reaching about 15 feet damaged her restaurant’s walls and roof.
She said the destruction created serious financial problems because the restaurant provides her main source of income.
The storm has also revived memories of Hurricane Otis, which devastated Acapulco in 2023.
Nolo Threatens Hawaii With Extreme Rainfall
Meanwhile, Hawaii prepared for another major weather threat.
Hurricane Nolo was located several hundred miles south of the Big Island after strengthening from a tropical storm. The National Hurricane Center warned of potentially catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding.
Forecasters expect the Big Island to receive between 15 and 30 inches of rain. Some locations could receive even higher totals through Saturday.
Maui could also face dangerous flooding as the storm moves northward.
The greatest concern remains the southeastern Big Island, where previous storms have already left the ground saturated.
Hawaii Activates Emergency Measures
Hawaii officials have urged residents to prepare emergency supplies.
The governor issued an emergency proclamation and activated more than 230 National Guard members.
Schools were also closed for the remainder of the week.
Hawaiian Electric moved crews toward Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. The crews had previously helped restore electricity on Kauai after Hurricane Lowell.
Officials are preparing for possible power outages, flooding and road closures as Nolo approaches.
More Storms Remain Active
Polo and Nolo are not the only systems being monitored.
Hurricane Odalys remained far from land west-southwest of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.
In the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Fay was located well west-southwest of the Azores.
Tropical Storm Gonzalo also formed near the Cape Verde Islands. Forecasters said the storm could pass near or over parts of the islands.
El Niño Fuels Pacific Storm Activity
The series of storms comes during an El Niño climate pattern.
El Niño can influence rainfall, temperatures and tropical cyclone activity around the world.
It generally suppresses Atlantic hurricane activity while supporting conditions that can increase tropical cyclone activity in the Pacific.
For Mexico and Hawaii, however, the immediate concern remains the threat from powerful storms and excessive rainfall.
With Polo continuing to affect Mexico and Nolo approaching Hawaii, authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to follow official warnings and prepare for dangerous conditions.
