People on Mexico's northern Pacific coast are preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Polo, a category three storm. It is forecast to make landfall later on Monday or early on Tuesday, moving over the state of Baja California Sur.
The US-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings of heavy rainfall, which could lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas with steep terrain. The NHC also warned of a potential storm surge accompanied by large and destructive waves.
In response, authorities in Cabo San Lucas have restricted beach access, and some restaurants have closed. The regional government of Baja California Sur has ordered schools to remain closed on Monday, and Governor Víctor Manuel Castro Cosío stated that temporary shelters have been opened for residents who may need to evacuate. Federal authorities have deployed thousands of navy and army personnel along with specialised machinery.
Meteorologists indicate that the storm, with maximum sustained winds near 115 mph (185 km/h), is being fuelled by extremely warm waters linked to the El Niño climate phenomenon.