Home / Weather / Category 5 Hurricane Polo Rages Off Mexico Coast
Category 5 Hurricane Polo Rages Off Mexico Coast
23 Sep
Summary
- Hurricane Polo is Category 5, the strongest eastern Pacific storm this year.
- Polo is expected to remain offshore but could bring heavy rain and flooding.
- Indirect effects, like large swells, may reach Southern California by the weekend.
Hurricane Polo has intensified into a Category 5 storm in the eastern Pacific, located off the southwestern coast of Mexico. This storm is the most powerful in the eastern Pacific this year, boasting maximum sustained winds of 165 mph, with potential to reach 180 mph.
As of September 23, 2026, Polo was situated approximately 345 miles south-southeast of Manzanillo, Mexico. A tropical storm warning is active along portions of the coast, and residents are advised to remain on high alert.
Polo is projected to move northwest and then west-northwest, generally following the Mexican coastline while staying offshore. While landfall is not anticipated, the storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, with potential for 3-8 inches and isolated totals of 8-12 inches, to southwestern Mexico, particularly Guerrero and Michoacán, through Thursday.
This rainfall could trigger dangerous flooding and mudslides, especially in mountainous terrains. Coastal areas are also bracing for strong waves, large swells, and dangerous rip currents. Preparations, including port closures and school suspensions, are already underway in some affected areas.
While direct impacts on the United States are not expected, indirect effects are possible for Southern California by the weekend, including large swells, high surf, and dangerous rip currents. Moisture from Polo might also move north into the Southwest next week, potentially enhancing monsoon moisture in Arizona and New Mexico.
