Off the southwestern coast of Mexico, Hurricane Polo reached Category 5 strength on Tuesday, its winds climbing to 165 miles per hour — a reminder that the Pacific does not negotiate with coastlines or calendars. Positioned between the resort cities of Zihuatanejo and Manzanillo, the storm threatens the states of Guerrero and Michoacán with life-threatening floods and mudslides, even as its track keeps it largely offshore. In the long human story of communities built where land meets sea, Polo is the latest chapter in which nature asserts its terms.
Hurricane Polo intensifies to Category 5, threatens Mexico with life-threatening flooding
Potential life-threatening flooding and mudslides threaten residents in Guerrero and Michoacán states, with heavy rainfall and dangerous surf conditions expected.