Polo hits Mexico with devastating force

Hurricane Polo made landfall just south of Las Barrancas in Baja California Sur with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph, lashing the state with life-threatening winds and heavy rain.

Storm expected to strengthen inland

The National Hurricane Center forecast Polo will weaken over the Baja California peninsula but remain at hurricane strength when it makes a second landfall in mainland Mexico's Sonora state later Tuesday.

Extreme rainfall and flooding predicted

Meteorologists said Polo could dump between 6 and 12 inches of rain across parts of Baja California Sur, producing life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.

Residents seek shelter as storm arrives

Shopkeeper María Palomino, 57, spent the night at a high school turned into a temporary shelter. A fishing guide told AFP the storm was coming with full force as he boarded up his home.

“coming with full force”

El Niño fuelled the hurricane season

Meteorologists said Polo was fuelled by extremely warm waters caused by the El Niño climate phenomenon, which has led to a more active hurricane season in Pacific waters.

US faces heavy rainfall from Polo's remnants

As Polo moves north-east, it will send tropical moisture into the US. The remains of Polo and Hurricane Odalys will boost rainfall across Arizona, California, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah, with some spots seeing six to seven inches by Thursday.