Hurricane Polo has rapidly intensified into one of the most powerful Pacific cyclones in decades, expected to skirt Mexico's southwestern coast as a major hurricane.
Why it matters: Polo is classified as an "extremely dangerous" storm by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and poses serious risks to coastal communities, including flooding and mudslides.
Polo was initially a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds reaching 175 mph before being downgraded to Category 4 with winds of 150 mph as of September 23, 2026.
The storm is about 165 miles south of Zihuatanejo and 320 miles southeast of Manzanillo, moving slowly northward.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that experts believe Polo is not likely to make landfall, but hurricane-force winds extend up to 40 miles from its center.
Residents along Mexico's Pacific coast are on high alert, recalling previous storms that have caused extensive damage.
Driving the news: The NHC reported that Polo is expected to turn sharply to the northwest and then west-northwest over the next several days, maintaining its strength as a major hurricane.
The storm became the third Category 5 hurricane of the Pacific season, following Genevieve and Lowell earlier this year.
As classes were temporarily suspended in several coastal areas, residents prepared for potential impacts, including strong waves and heavy rainfall.
Coastal ports in Guerrero and Michoacán were shut down as a precaution, with authorities advising civilians and fishermen to stay alert.
State of play: The rapid intensification of Polo has been attributed to the El Niño weather phenomenon, which has significantly affected weather patterns in the Pacific.
Philip Klotzbach, a research scientist at Colorado State University, noted that the conditions are ideal for hurricanes to gain strength quickly.
Heavy rain forecasts predict 3 to 6 inches of rain in Guerrero and Michoacán, raising concerns about flash flooding and mudslides.
According to the NHC, tropical storm conditions are expected along the Pacific coast in Guerrero, Michoacán, and Colima states.
The big picture: Polo's winds reached speeds comparable only to a few hurricanes in recent decades, primarily Hurricane Patricia, which had winds of 215 mph in 2015.
Kristen L. Corbosiero, a professor at the University at Albany, stated, "This is one of the strongest storms ever in the (Pacific) Basin."
Residents are particularly anxious due to memories of Hurricane Otis in 2023, which caused severe destruction in nearby Acapulco.
Even if Polo does not make direct landfall, hazardous ocean conditions may produce deadly rip currents and rogue waves.
What they're saying: Local business owners voiced their concerns about the storm's potential impact on their livelihoods.
Concepción López Villegas, who operates a seaside restaurant in Lázaro Cárdenas, expressed fear that strong waves could destroy her business, stating, "We're worried and trying to protect our businesses. And of course, we're sad because it's our heritage, our legacy that from one moment to another could be destroyed."
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued a weather alert, urging citizens to avoid water and beaches and to heed warnings from local authorities.
By the numbers: Polo's peak wind speeds reached 180 mph, making it one of the strongest storms recorded in the Pacific.
This year's hurricane season has been notable for the absence of Atlantic hurricanes, marking a record for the longest start to a season without a hurricane.
The NHC reported that tropical storm-force winds extend up to 105 miles from Polo's eye, affecting a wide area along the coast.
Authorities have warned that hazardous ocean conditions could result in coastal flooding and erosion, particularly in areas already affected by previous storms.
What's next: Forecasters are closely monitoring Polo's path as it continues to swirl off the Mexican coast.
The storm is expected to maintain its strength as it moves west-northwest, potentially impacting Baja California early next week.
Coastal communities are preparing for possible evacuations and emergency measures to mitigate flooding risks.
The National Weather Service is also tracking tropical storm Odalys, which is located far from land but could produce additional swells impacting the Southern California coastline.