Two powerful storms churned through the Pacific on Sunday, presenting contrasting threats on opposite sides of the ocean. As Hurricane Polo intensified into a major Category 3 system and closed in on Mexico's Baja California peninsula, Hurricane Nolo gradually pulled away from the Hawaiian Islands, though dangerous surf and strong winds continued to linger near the Big Island.
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami, Polo packed maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 kph) as of Sunday evening. The storm was positioned roughly 270 miles (435 kilometers) west of Cabo San Lucas, the resort city at the southern tip of the Baja peninsula, and was advancing northward at about 12 mph (19 kph). Forecasters expected the storm to make landfall on Monday.
Residents along the peninsula spent the weekend preparing for the arrival of the powerful cyclone. Authorities warned that Polo would bring a dangerous combination of storm surge, damaging winds and torrential rainfall. The hurricane center noted that heavy rain from Polo would begin affecting the region overnight, raising the risk of life-threatening flooding and mudslides in areas with steep terrain.
The storm surge threat was particularly concerning for coastal communities, where rising water levels could inundate low-lying areas. High winds also posed a risk of structural damage and power outages. Forecasters urged residents in the storm's projected path to complete their preparations quickly and to heed any evacuation orders issued by local officials.
Beyond its immediate impact on Baja California, Polo was expected to continue northward after crossing the peninsula and reach the Mexican mainland. The hurricane center projected that the storm could then carry heavy rain and flooding into parts of the southwestern United States later in the week, extending its reach well beyond Mexico's borders.
The twin storm systems illustrated the complexity of tracking multiple cyclones simultaneously across the vast Pacific basin. While Polo strengthened into a major hurricane, Nolo's trajectory took it away from land, though its effects were still being felt across parts of Hawaii.
On Sunday, Nolo was located well southwest of Hawaii and was steadily moving away from the Big Island. Even as the storm departed, its maximum sustained winds increased to near 105 mph (165 kph), keeping it a formidable system. A high-wind warning, a wind advisory and a high surf advisory all remained in effect for parts of the Big Island through Sunday evening.
The lingering advisories reflected the fact that hazardous conditions can persist long after a storm's closest approach. Rough seas and powerful swells generated by Nolo continued to batter shorelines, while gusty winds created additional risks for residents and travelers in exposed areas.
The storm's slow departure came after a weekend of disruption across parts of Hawaii. On Saturday, flooding from Nolo's outer bands forced the closure of a section of the Mamalahoa highway near Naalehu, on the southern end of the Big Island. Fire Captain Lui Sales of the Hawaii Fire Department was photographed searching for residents who might need assistance as rainwater inundated the roadway.
The flooding underscored the dangers posed by hurricanes even when they do not make direct landfall. Nolo had already been a notable storm because of its erratic path, which forecasters had monitored closely as it zigzagged through the Pacific. While the storm ultimately spared the islands a direct hit, its heavy rains and strong winds still left their mark.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation and local emergency management officials worked throughout the weekend to clear debris and monitor road conditions. Motorists in affected areas were advised to exercise caution, as standing water and downed vegetation could create additional hazards on area roads.
For Baja California, the stakes were considerably higher. A landfalling Category 3 hurricane can cause extensive damage, including the destruction of poorly built structures, widespread power failures and significant flooding. The region's topography, which includes rugged mountains and steep canyons, makes it especially vulnerable to mudslides when heavy rain falls over a short period.
Emergency officials in Mexico were coordinating preparations as Polo approached, with shelters being readied and residents in high-risk zones encouraged to move to safer locations. Tourists in Cabo San Lucas and other coastal destinations were also advised to stay informed and follow guidance from local authorities.
The hurricane center's forecast track suggested that Polo would weaken after crossing the peninsula, but it was still expected to retain enough moisture and energy to produce heavy rainfall over parts of the southwestern U.S. later in the week. That could mean flash flooding in desert and mountainous areas unaccustomed to such intense precipitation.
As of Sunday evening, the situation remained fluid on both fronts. Nolo was expected to continue weakening as it moved farther from Hawaii, while Polo was still gathering strength over warm Pacific waters before its anticipated landfall. Forecasters planned to issue additional advisories as new data became available.
For now, communities on both sides of the Pacific were watching the skies and preparing for whatever the storms might bring, mindful that hurricane season's most dangerous systems can shift course and intensity with little warning.
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