Impact of Hurricane Polo on Southwestern United States
The National Hurricane Center has warned that Hurricane Polo will affect the southwestern United States after it moves through Mexico. This powerful storm poses a risk of flash floods to over 30 million people from Arizona to Iowa.
Heavy rain has led to flooding in southern New Mexico. Several roads have been affected, trapping drivers until the waters receded. As Polo continues its path, more rain is expected across the region.
The storm tracked across Mexico’s Baja California Sur toward the northeast at a speed of approximately 10 miles per hour. Significant acceleration is expected. The hurricane’s core will cross the Gulf of California before making another landfall in Sonora, Mexico.
By Wednesday morning, the storm will approach El Paso. At this point, it will no longer be classified as a hurricane, with winds dropping to around 35 miles per hour. It will weaken further as it travels across the Southwest.
Flash Flood Watches
Flash flood warnings have been issued from Phoenix, Arizona to Des Moines, Iowa. Over 14 million Americans face the risk of major flooding, with potential rainfall reaching two inches per hour in certain areas.
The National Weather Service Prediction Center has issued a significant flash flood threat warning from the Four Corners Region to the Central Plains.
Additional concerns have been raised for Albuquerque, New Mexico, which may experience saturating rains. The desert city is forecast to receive about two inches of rainfall.
Southern Colorado and other sections of the I-35 corridor will experience continued rainfall into Wednesday. Dallas and parts of Texas may see rain extending through Thursday, with some areas expected to receive more than seven inches.
Active Pacific Region
Hurricane Polo has fluctuated between Category 4 and Category 5 strength. It underwent extreme rapid intensification, with wind speeds skyrocketing by 58 mph or more within a 24-hour period. During a dramatic intensification between Sept. 21 and Sept. 22, speeds increased from 45 mph to 150 mph.
The hurricane’s sustained winds reached 180 mph over the weekend, making it the third-strongest storm recorded in the region, tying with 2009’s Hurricane Rick. The storm’s central pressure ranked it second-strongest in the Eastern Pacific, only behind 2015’s Hurricane Patricia.
Environmental factors such as warm waters, moist air, and reduced wind shear have facilitated storm formation in the Pacific. Strong El Niño conditions have contributed to increased cyclone activity.
Recently, Hurricane Nolo passed Hawaii’s Big Island, bringing heavy rain and wind to the state over the weekend.