Hurricane Polo brings fears of heavy rain and landslides in Mexico | Climate News
Heavy Rains Threaten Flooding on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.
Posted: September 24, 2026
Hurricane Polo is generating heavy rainfall and strong waves along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, with the U.S. National Hurricane Center warning of potential life-threatening flooding and landslides in the region.
As of early Thursday, Hurricane Polo was located approximately 130 miles (209 kilometers) south-southwest of Zihuatanejo, Mexico. The storm was moving northwest at a speed of 7 mph (11 kph), with forecasts indicating a turn to the west-northwest later in the day, steering it further out to sea before shifting northwest again on Saturday.
Polo is expected to maintain its Category 5 strength as it continues along the coastline over the next several days. Although the center of the storm and its strongest winds are anticipated to remain offshore, the National Hurricane Center cautioned that the heavy rains may still lead to significant flooding and mudslides inland.
Concerns are also mounting in Hawaii, where a hurricane watch has been issued for Hawaii County in anticipation of Tropical Storm Nolo, which could approach the islands on Friday or Saturday. The National Weather Service has put residents on alert for potential catastrophic flooding.
John Bravender, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, stated during a Wednesday news conference that Tropical Storm Nolo has the potential to strengthen into a major hurricane.
In a video message, Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda urged residents to prepare for the incoming storm, recommending that they assemble emergency kits that include food, water, and medications, in addition to clearing drains and trimming vegetation.
“This is a very serious situation,” Alameda said. “We do believe that the rain is going to come. It’s coming already.”
In response to the impending weather, Governor Josh Green’s office announced that public schools and state and county offices across Hawaii’s Big Island will close on Thursday and Friday. Maui County will also shut down its facilities on Friday in preparation for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding risks.
