Hurricane Polo is heading toward the Baja California region of Mexico, bringing the latest storm of an unusually active Pacific hurricane season.
On 22 September, the storm’s pressure dropped to 892 millibars, making Polo the second‑most intense hurricane ever recorded in the eastern Pacific. The system is drawing power from exceptionally warm Pacific waters, which are helping it maintain its strength.
Officials say Polo will veer west‑north‑west before turning more north‑west on Saturday. Its maximum sustained winds are around 150 mph, with even higher gusts in the most intense parts of the storm.
Hurricane‑force winds extend roughly 40 miles from the centre, while tropical‑storm‑force winds reach about 125 miles. The combination of strong winds, heavy rainfall and rough seas could cause significant damage in the region.
Although some fluctuations in intensity are possible over the next few days, authorities expect Polo to remain powerful as it tracks north‑westward toward Baja California.
<small>Source: The Guardian — read the original story there.</small>