Tropical Storm Polo Is Set to Explode Into a Major Hurricane This Week

The western coast of Mexico has been put on alert for a rapidly intensifying tropical weather event. Read on for the details, including when and where the latest storm in the Pacific is expected to strike.

Latest on Tropical Storm Polo

Tropical Storm Polo is forecast to evolve into a major hurricane in the coming days, unleashing flooding rainfall, high winds, storm surge, and rough seas across the western edge of Mexico. As of the latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Polo was packing maximum winds of 65 mph as it crawls to the east at 5 mph.

The forecast models suggest that Polo will take a turn to the northwest as it turns into a hurricane early this week. The Mexican states of Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán should prepare for heavy rain by Tuesday. Widespread rain totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected across portions of coastal southwestern Mexico, while higher totals of 4 to 8 inches are on tap for the coasts of Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán.

Wind gusts in the coastal region of Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, and the southwestern corner of Nayarit are bracing for winds of 40 to 80 mph. Gusts reaching speeds of 40 to 60 mph are in the forecast for southern Baja California Sur.

The popular resort towns of Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas will be under the gun for high winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf conditions throughout the week. Beachgoers will want to pay close attention to posted warnings, especially before venturing out into the water.

The NHC said the storm could reach Category 4 hurricane status at its peak. The size of Polo will send large swells hundreds of miles from its center.

Forecasters warn that Polo could change directions several times in the next day or two, making it more difficult to forecast who will land in the impact zone. The impacts will be more severe should the storm move closer to Mexico's coastline.