Hurricane Polo, the second-most intense hurricane on record in the east Pacific, is heading towards Mexico's Baja California region with 150mph winds, torrential rain and dangerous seas.
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Key facts
- Hurricane Polo is barreling towards the Baja California region of Mexico.
- On 22 September a measurement of 892 millibars made it the second-most intense hurricane on record in the east Pacific.
- It has maximum sustained winds of around 150mph, with even stronger gusts in its most intense parts.
- Hurricane-force winds extend about 40 miles from the centre; tropical storm-force winds reach as far as 125 miles.
- The storm is being fuelled by exceptionally warm Pacific waters.
Hurricane Polo is barreling towards the Baja California region of Mexico, the latest system in a Pacific hurricane season that has been notably active in recent months, according to the Guardian.
On 22 September, a measurement of 892 millibars was registered for Hurricane Polo, making it the second-most intense hurricane on record in the east Pacific. The storm is being fuelled by exceptionally warm waters across the Pacific Ocean, which provide favourable conditions for the system to maintain its considerable strength.
Polo is expected to turn towards the west-north-west before taking a more north-westerly trajectory on Saturday. The Guardian reports it has maximum sustained winds of around 150mph, with even stronger gusts occurring within the most intense parts of the hurricane.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward for approximately 40 miles from the centre, while tropical storm-force winds reach as far as 125 miles. These powerful winds, combined with torrential rainfall and dangerous seas, could have significant impacts.
Although some fluctuations in intensity are possible over the coming days, Polo is expected to remain powerful as it tracks north-westwards, according to the Guardian.
Why it matters
A storm of Polo's intensity brings the threat of destructive winds, heavy rainfall and dangerous seas to coastal communities in the Baja California region. Its ranking as the second-most intense east Pacific hurricane on record, fuelled by exceptionally warm ocean waters, underscores the conditions driving an unusually active Pacific hurricane season.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Hurricane Polo?
Hurricane Polo has maximum sustained winds of around 150mph, with even stronger gusts within its most intense parts. On 22 September it registered 892 millibars, making it the second-most intense hurricane on record in the east Pacific.
Where is Hurricane Polo heading?
Polo is expected to turn towards the west-north-west before taking a more north-westerly trajectory on Saturday, tracking towards the Baja California region of Mexico.
What is fuelling the storm's strength?
According to the Guardian, Polo is being fuelled by exceptionally warm waters across the Pacific Ocean, which provide favourable conditions for it to maintain its considerable strength.
Timeline
- Hurricane Polo barrels towards Baja California region of Mexico
The Guardian World: Area’s second-most intense hurricane on record being fuelled by exceptionally warm Pacific waters Hurricane Polo is barreling towards the Baja California region of Mexico, the latest system in a Pacific hurricane season that has been notably active in recent months. On 22 Septemb