Mexico's Pacific coast braces for Hurricane Polo

What the report says

People on Mexico’s northern Pacific coast are preparing for Hurricane Polo, which BBC World News said was expected to reach Baja California Sur late Monday or early Tuesday. The storm was described as a category three system in the article, with sustained winds near 115 mph (185 km/h), and it was forecast to affect the tourist region that includes Los Cabos.

The BBC reported that the US National Hurricane Center warned of heavy rain that could trigger dangerous flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain. It also said the storm could bring a surge of water and large waves. On Sunday, residents were reported to be buying basics such as food and drinking water as the system approached.

Local authorities in Cabo San Lucas restricted beach access, and some restaurants closed. The Baja California Sur government ordered schools to stay shut on Monday and said temporary shelters had been opened in case evacuations were needed. The federal government also deployed navy and army personnel with specialist equipment.

More broadly, the article said Polo had been moving slowly toward land and was being strengthened by very warm waters linked by meteorologists to El Niño. The situation matters because Baja California Sur combines populated communities with major tourism activity, making preparations important for both public safety and local business.