Off the southwestern coast of Mexico, Hurricane Polo has risen with uncommon swiftness into one of the most powerful cyclones the Pacific has produced in decades — a reminder that the ocean, warmed by El Niño's long reach, can transform a modest disturbance into catastrophe within a single day. Authorities in Guerrero and Michoacán have closed ports, suspended classes, and urged coastal residents to heed the lessons of Otis, the storm that devastated Acapulco in 2023 with similarly little warning. Polo may yet spare the shore a direct blow, but the rain, mudslides, and rip currents it carries
Hurricane Polo intensifies to Category 5 with 180 mph winds off Mexico
Authorities evacuated residents and closed ports; the storm threatens life-threatening flooding, mudslides, and deadly rip currents along Mexico's Pacific coast.