Residents on alert for Hurricane Polo on Mexico’s Pacific coast

Residents of Mexico’s northern Pacific coast are on alert as Hurricane Polo approaches, expected to make landfall on Monday or early Tuesday.

The Category 3 storm, with maximum sustained winds near 185 km/h, is expected to move over the state of Baja California Sur, a tourist-favorite area that includes the Los Campos resort destination.

Meteorologists at the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) have warned of torrential rains that could cause life-threatening flooding and landslides, especially in steep terrain.

In Cabo San Lucas, known for its natural rock arch, authorities restricted beach access. Several restaurants in the town — a base for fishermen and whale watchers — were also closed.

The regional government of Baja California Sur ordered schools to remain closed on Monday as a precaution. Governor Victor Manuel Castro Cosio said temporary shelters had been opened in case residents needed to evacuate.

Federal authorities have also deployed thousands of navy and army personnel, as well as specialized machinery.

Meteorologists reported that “Polo” is being fueled by unusually warm waters due to the “El Niño” climate phenomenon.