Mexico City: Powerful Hurricane Polo sent bands of heavy rain and strong winds across Mexico’s Pacific coastline on Thursday as Tropical Storm Nolo approached Hawaii, raising fears of catastrophic flooding.
Polo was forecast to maintain its Category 5 strength while moving parallel to Mexico’s coast over the coming days. Although the storm’s eye is expected to remain offshore, forecasters warned that heavy rainfall could trigger life-threatening floods and landslides.
The hurricane was located about 209 kilometres south-southwest of Zihuatanejo early Thursday, with maximum sustained winds of 257kph. Authorities said hurricane-force winds extended up to 65 kilometres from the storm’s centre, while tropical-storm-force winds stretched as far as 185 kilometres.
Guerrero state was identified as one of the areas most vulnerable to flooding and mudslides.
Mexican authorities have ordered evacuations in some communities and opened shelters, while thousands of military personnel and Red Cross workers have been deployed as a precautionary measure.
Along parts of the coast, strong waves were already battering beaches and coastal businesses.
“We’re worried and trying to protect our businesses,” said Concepción López Villegas, who owns a restaurant in the coastal city of Lázaro Cárdenas. “It’s our heritage, our legacy that from one moment to another could be destroyed.”
Hawaii prepares for Nolo
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Nolo was moving through the Pacific about 475 kilometres south of South Point, Hawaii, and was expected to strengthen into a hurricane by Thursday night.
A hurricane watch has been issued for Hawaii County, with the storm expected to approach the Big Island as early as Friday.
Officials warned that Nolo could bring up to 51 centimetres of rain, with some areas potentially receiving between 50 and 76 centimetres by Saturday.
Authorities have announced widespread precautionary measures.
Public schools and government offices on Hawaii’s Big Island will remain closed on Thursday and Friday, while Maui County will close schools and offices on Friday.
Governor Josh Green has already issued an emergency proclamation, and more than 230 Hawaii National Guard personnel have been activated.
Meteorologists said the greatest danger is likely to come from flash flooding rather than wind damage.
“This is a very serious situation,” Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda said in a message to residents, urging them to prepare emergency supplies, clear drains and trim vegetation around their homes.
Other storm activity
Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Fay re-formed in the northern Atlantic Ocean with maximum sustained winds of 65kph, while Hurricane Odalys continued moving across the Pacific with winds reaching 137kph.
Forecasters said both storms were being closely monitored, although immediate concerns remain focused on Hurricane Polo in Mexico and Tropical Storm Nolo’s approach towards Hawaii.
