Weather
Hurricane Polo Reaches Category 5 Off Mexico Coast
Acapulco, Mexico – Category 5 Hurricane Polo will move slowly offshore as heavy rain threatens flooding and landslides along southwest Mexico through Thursday.
By Erin Vale · 2026-09-22T15:17:56.833Z
Acapulco, Mexico – Category 5 Hurricane Polo will move slowly offshore as heavy rain threatens flooding and landslides along southwest Mexico through Thursday.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Polo reached Category 5 strength Tuesday with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph. The hurricane was centered near 14.5 degrees north and 101.5 degrees west and moving west at 6 mph in the advisory shown.
The center of Polo is expected to remain offshore of southwestern Mexico during the next couple of days. However, dangerous conditions can extend well beyond the hurricane's center and the track cone.
Heavy rainfall associated with Polo will affect coastal portions of southwestern Mexico through Thursday. The National Hurricane Center warned that the rain could produce life threatening flooding and landslides, particularly across steep terrain.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for portions of southwestern Mexico. The hurricane center said it remains too early to determine the exact location and magnitude of other impacts along the coast.
Satellite imagery Tuesday showed Polo's powerful circulation over the eastern Pacific south of Mexico. Although the projected track keeps the hurricane's core offshore, residents should not use the center line or cone alone to determine their risk.
People in coastal and mountainous communities should closely monitor official warnings, particularly where heavy rain can rapidly increase runoff or trigger landslides. Residents should also avoid flooded roads and follow evacuation instructions if issued by local authorities.
Polo is expected to move slowly offshore during the next couple of days before tracking farther west. Coastal southwestern Mexico remains at risk from heavy rainfall through Thursday, and additional National Hurricane Center updates will refine the expected track and impacts.