Mexico prepares for Hurricane Polo as Baja California Sur faces flood risk

Key points: Hurricane Polo was approaching Baja California Sur on 28 September. Mexican authorities urged precautions and opened shelters. The projected landfall and a possible later crossing toward Sonora were forecasts, not confirmed impacts at this report's cutoff.

Coastal communities in Mexico's Baja California Sur prepared for Hurricane Polo on Monday as forecasters warned of dangerous wind, rain and flooding. Reuters reported from the region on 28 September that authorities urged residents to take precautions and shelters were available. CBS News, reporting National Hurricane Center information, said the storm had weakened to Category 3 with sustained winds near 115 mph in the morning advisory.

Rain and coastal hazards

The National Hurricane Center's 27 September public advisory warned of rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with isolated totals up to 12 inches, in parts of Baja California Sur. Heavy rain can cause life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, especially on steep terrain. The same advisory warned of coastal surge, destructive waves and dangerous surf. Forecast amounts and wind speeds should be read with the advisory time: they are estimates that can change.

Mexican weather officials expected a crossing in the Comondú area later on Monday and possible onward movement toward Sonora, according to El País's 28 September report citing the national weather service. Authorities had urged people in high-risk coastal areas to use shelters and avoid dangerous travel. An expected track is not a record of where the center ultimately crossed land.

What residents and travelers need to know

Local warnings are more useful than a single national headline: exposure to wind, surge and flash floods varies by location. Travelers should check official advisories, road closures and airline notices for their destination. People in warned areas should follow local civil protection instructions rather than rely on an earlier published forecast.

Analysis — what to watch: The next official advisories and reports from Mexico's civil protection authorities will establish actual landfall, storm strength and damage. The featured NOAA-20 satellite image is from 22 September when Polo was Category 5; it is not a live image of the 28 September Category 3 forecast. Research cutoff: 29 September 2026, 01:00 IST.