Hurricane Polo Makes Landfall in Mexico

Hurricane Polo made landfall early Tuesday, bringing hurricane-force winds, power outages, and flood risk to Baja California Sur. The storm, classified between categories 2 and 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, shook the Puerto San Carlos region, where residents sought shelter in schools and homes. The phenomenon, fueled by El Niño, marks the first time a hurricane has made landfall in an area accustomed to tropical cyclones.

How the Storm Made Landfall

The meteorological bulletin placed Hurricane Polo on the border between categories 2 and 3, with maximum sustained winds near 185 km/h. Its trajectory passed southwest of Cabo San Lázaro, about 175 km away, before hitting the coast of Puerto San Carlos, where the city of about 6,000 inhabitants reported power outages and winds that bent palm trees.

Immediate Impacts in Baja California Sur

Rising sea levels breached sections of a sand barrier, creating a flood risk. Authorities predict the city, which relies on tourism, could suffer significant damage. Thousands of military personnel were mobilized, and classes and in-person work for public employees were suspended. Maritime activity, as well as access to beaches, was halted.

Residents' Reaction and Protection Measures

• Some residents sought shelter in the high school, which had withstood previous cyclones.
• Others left the city, while some remained at home, trusting in God.
• Restaurant and shop owners reinforced doors and windows with boards overnight.
• Authorities advised disconnecting electrical appliances and having alternative lighting ready.

What the Hurricane May Bring for the Future

The US National Hurricane Center estimates that Polo is expected to dump between 15 and 30 cm of rain across the state, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides. Despite weakening, the hurricane could still make landfall as a dangerous Category 3 hurricane. The forecast indicates the storm will hit a sparsely populated area, but locations like Las Barrancas and San Juanico are in its path. The hurricane could also hit the Mexican mainland a second time late Monday or early Tuesday.

Conclusion

Hurricane Polo demonstrates the strength of El Niño-fueled tropical cyclones and the vulnerability of coastal regions in Baja California Sur. The mobilization of authorities and the preparation of residents are essential to minimize damage and ensure the safety of the population.

With information from O GLOBO, CNN Brasil.