Hurricane Polo brings heavy rain to Mexican coast with fears of life-threatening floods

Hurricane Polo has brought heavy rain to Mexico's Pacific coast, as Hawaii was braced for the growing Tropical Storm Nolo, which could cause catastrophic flooding.

Polo, which is forecast to maintain its maximum category five strength over the next few days as it skirts the Mexican coast, could lead to life-threatening floods and landslides, the US National Hurricane Center warned.

That was despite expectations that the eye of the storm and the strongest winds were set to remain at sea.

Mexico prepares for Hurricane Polo

The hurricane was swirling about 130 miles (20km) south-southwest of Zihuatanejo early on Thursday and was moving northwest at 7mph.

The storm had maximum sustained winds of 160mph, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 40 miles from the eye and tropical storm-force winds extended up to 115 miles.

The region most under threat from Polo is rural and mountainous, scattered with a few small tourist towns and ports.

Much of the area suffers from poverty and residents routinely complain that authorities abandon them to fend for themselves during natural disasters.

Mexico's government has called for evacuations in some areas and set up shelters for those affected.

Thousands of military and Red Cross personnel have been deployed to the region as a preventive measure.

Potential for another hurricane

Farther west in the Pacific, Tropical Storm Nolo, which is forecast to become a hurricane on Thursday night and approach the Big Island as early as Friday, is about 295 miles (475km) south of South Point.

A hurricane watch has been issued for Hawaii County, with public schools and some government offices to close on Thursday and Friday.

Up to 20 inches (51cm) of rain could fall during the storm, say forecasters.

The storm has the potential to be a major hurricane, said John Bravender, a weather service warning coordination meteorologist.

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While high winds are expected, Mr Bravender said the main concern is the possibility of flash flooding.

Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda told residents in a video message on social media that they should start preparing now for the storm.

He urged people to put together an emergency kit with food, water and medications, trim vegetation and clear drains.

"This is a very serious situation," he said. "We do believe that the rain is going to come. It's coming already."

The governor issued an emergency proclamation on Tuesday and more than 230 Hawaii National Guard members have been activated.

Kauai's electric cooperative urged residents to prepare for "the possibility of prolonged power outages," and to store nonperishable food and potable water.

Over 100 Kauai households remain without power from Hurricane Lowell, which passed west of the island on 7 September.

(c) Sky News 2026: Hurricane Polo brings heavy rain to Mexican coast with fears of life-threatening floods