Polo makes landfall in Mexico as Category 3 hurricane, cutting power and causing floods
Polo Makes Landfall in Mexico, Bringing Floods and Blackouts
Poinews.com – Polo makes landfall in Mexico as a Category 3 hurricane, battering Baja California Sur with sustained winds of up to 175 kilometres per hour, flooding and widespread power cuts. The storm came ashore south of Las Barrancas, a fishing village on the peninsula’s western coast.
Authorities warned that powerful winds, heavy rain and storm surge could create life-threatening conditions in coastal and low-lying communities. Residents were urged to remain indoors or go to shelters as water began moving into vulnerable streets.
Puerto San Carlos faces flooding and power loss
Puerto San Carlos, a fishing port of nearly 6,000 people, was among the communities exposed to the hurricane. High waves battered coastal defences, while water breached parts of a sand barrier and flowed into nearby streets.
Electricity failed as conditions deteriorated, with palm trees bending sharply in the wind. Only a limited number of homes and businesses had been protected with boards or sandbags before the storm arrived, increasing concern about flood damage.
Juan Manuel Sarabia, a 53-year-old whale-watching and fishing guide, boarded up the front of his home as the hurricane approached.
“It’s coming with full force,” he said.
A police officer travelling through the town warned that the flooding risk was so serious that everyone should have been evacuated.
“Everything is going to flood,” the officer said.
Shelters and military response activated
Mexico opened 169 shelters across Baja California Sur as Polo moved through the region. Residents gathered at facilities including a high school near the coast, preparing to spend the night away from their homes.
Shopkeeper Maria Palomino, 57, said she planned to sleep on a mattress on the shelter floor.
“If something happens, it’s better to come to the shelter. We’ll be among people we know,” she said.
Nearly 7,000 troops were deployed to Baja California Sur as part of the federal response. Classes were suspended, public employees were told to work remotely where possible, and maritime activity in the affected area was halted.
Laura Velazquez, Mexico’s National Coordinator of Civil Protection, confirmed the suspension of maritime operations, a significant step for coastal communities dependent on fishing and other sea-based work.
Heavy rain and storm surge remain dangerous
While Polo’s winds caused immediate damage, officials also warned of severe risks from rainfall and coastal surge. Fabian Vazquez, head of Mexico’s meteorological service, said heavy rain and higher sea levels could cause “very severe” damage.
Flash floods can develop quickly during intense tropical rainfall, particularly where drainage systems cannot cope. Coastal flooding may also continue even when the centre of a hurricane is no longer directly overhead, as wind-driven waves force water inland.
Polo makes landfall in Mexico as weather alerts also extend northward. Heavy-rain and flood warnings linked to the storm were issued for parts of 10 US states, including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Colorado.
FAQ for Baja California Sur Residents
What should residents do during Hurricane Polo?
People in affected coastal or low-lying areas should follow official evacuation instructions, use designated shelters when advised, avoid floodwater and remain away from the coast until authorities say conditions are safe.
Why were maritime operations suspended?
Fishing vessels, recreational boats and crews face extreme danger from hurricane-force winds, high waves and storm surge. Suspending maritime operations reduces the risk to people at sea.
Can flooding continue after the strongest winds pass?
Yes. Heavy rain, runoff and storm surge can keep causing floods after wind conditions begin to ease. Residents should continue monitoring official warnings and avoid returning home until local authorities permit it.