Hurricane Polo Threatens Mexican Riviera: Beaches Manned, Schools Closed

Mon Sep 28 2026 20:30:58 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Category‑3 storm Polo approaches Baja California Sur, triggering beach closures, school shutdowns and a national emergency response.

A Category‑3 hurricane dubbed Polo is set to hit Mexico’s Pacific coast later Monday, bringing heavy winds and showers that risk flooding and mudslides. Local lifeguards have raised red warning flags on the beaches of Los Cabos, while authorities in Baja California Sur have ordered schools closed and opened temporary shelters. The National Hurricane Center warns of an impending storm surge and large destructive waves, with forces fuelled by El Niño‑warmer waters. The federal navy and army are on standby, and tourism operations are already suspended. Residents are urged to pre‑store supplies and heed official advisories.

Hurricane Polo Threatens Mexican Riviera: Beaches Manned, Schools Closed

Lifeguards raised red flags on the beaches of Baja California Sur to alert holidaymakers of hazardous sea conditions

People living on the northern Pacific coast of Mexico are bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Polo, which is forecast to make landfall later on Monday or early on Tuesday.

The category‑three storm, with maximum sustained winds near 115 mph (185 km/h), is expected to move over the state of Baja California Sur, a region popular with tourists and home to the resort destination of Los Cabos.

Meteorologists at the U.S.‑based National Hurricane Center (NHC) have warned of heavy rainfall that could lead to life‑threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in steep‑terrain areas.

Residents on Sunday stocked up on essentials such as drinking water and food as the storm approached.

The NHC warned that Hurricane Polo could unleash a powerful storm surge accompanied by large destructive waves.

In Cabo San Lucas, authorities restricted access to the beaches and several restaurants closed, affecting a town that serves as a base for sport fishers and whale watchers.

The regional government of Baja California Sur ordered schools to remain closed on Monday as a preventive measure.

Governor Víctor Manuel Castro Cosío announced that temporary shelters had been opened to accommodate residents in need of evacuation.

Federal authorities deployed thousands of navy and army personnel along with specialized machinery to prepare for the impact.

Polo has been moving steadily toward Mexico’s coastline.

Meteorologists said the storm was being fueled by extremely warm waters caused by the El Niño climate phenomenon.

Lifeguards raised red flags on the beaches of Baja California Sur to alert holidaymakers of the hazardous sea conditions.