Polo weakens to Category 4 off Mexico, with hazards forecast

Hurricane Polo weakened to Category 4 strength off Mexico’s southwestern coast on Wednesday, September 23, after briefly reaching Category 5, the National Hurricane Center said. The storm had maximum sustained winds near 150 mph and was forecast to remain offshore, but forecasters warned that rain, flooding, mudslides and dangerous coastal conditions could affect parts of Mexico. Polo was moving slowly north, with a forecast turn toward the northwest before continuing west-northwest over the following days. The hurricane center said its core was expected to remain near the coast for the next day or two, while tropical-storm conditions were possible along portions of Guerrero, Michoacán and Colima from Wednesday into Thursday. A direct landfall was not expected in the forecasts provided. The National Hurricane Center forecast 3 to 6 inches of rain in parts of Guerrero and Michoacán, with locally higher totals possible. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain. Coastal communities also faced the risk of hazardous surf, large waves and rip currents. The U.S.