Polo Threatens Mexico Coast as Nolo Approaches Hawaii

Hurricane Polo brought heavy rain and strong waves to Mexico’s Pacific coast early Thursday, while forecasters warned that the storm could cause life-threatening flooding and mudslides. At the same time, Tropical Storm Nolo was approaching Hawaii, where a hurricane watch was in effect for Hawaii County and officials announced closures ahead of the threat of heavy rain and flooding. The National Hurricane Center said Polo’s heaviest impacts were expected along parts of Guerrero, Michoacán and Colima, with the storm forecast to remain offshore. Reports said Mexico had called for evacuations in some areas, opened shelters and deployed military and Red Cross personnel as a precaution. The storm’s anticipated track and rainfall meant flooding and mudslides remained risks, but the reports did not establish whether those impacts occurred. Polo’s reported wind strength varied with the observation time. The National Hurricane Center’s estimates cited in the reports put the storm at a peak of 180 mph and at up to 145 mph Wednesday afternoon; an early Thursday estimate put maximum sustained winds at 160 mph.