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Category 3 Hurricane Polo is forecast to impact Mexican territory twice: first this Monday in Baja California Sur (northwest) as a Category 2 or 3, and later on Tuesday in Sonora (north), informed the national coordinator of Civil Protection, Laura Velázquez.
"It continues its path toward Baja California Sur, where a first impact is expected this afternoon," explained Velázquez in a video call during the presidential press conference, noting that it could occur between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM local time (22:00 and 00:00 GMT Tuesday) in the vicinity of the Comondú municipality on the Baja California peninsula.
The official warned that it is not yet possible to determine if Polo will make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane or if it will retain the Category 3 status it currently maintains.
Additionally, she anticipated "a second impact on Tuesday on the central coast of Sonora," as winds, rains, and waves continue to intensify in both states.
According to the 6:00 AM (12:00 GMT) report from the National Meteorological Service (SMN), cited by Velázquez, Polo was located about 175 kilometers southwest of Cabo San Lázaro, Baja California Sur, with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour.
Evacuations and restricted mobility
Given the proximity of the cyclone, Civil Protection ordered mobility to be restricted starting at 2:00 PM (20:00 GMT) in various communities within the municipalities of Comondú, Mulegé, and Loreto, while asking residents to remain in their homes or move to temporary shelters if they are in high-risk areas.
"The most important thing is to stay in your homes and not go out until the hurricane has passed," emphasized Velázquez.
Access to all beaches has been restricted and maritime activities have been suspended, while authorities are inspecting coastal areas, fords, rivers, bridges, and roads susceptible to damage.
Velázquez asked the population to also prepare for possible temporary interruptions of electricity and internet services during the passage of the phenomenon and noted that personnel from the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) are deployed at strategic points to restore service.
The government also has Armed Forces and National Guard troops deployed, along with personnel from infrastructure, water, electricity, health, and civil protection agencies.
The SMN had warned this Monday that Polo will cause torrential rains of between 150 and 250 millimeters in Baja California Sur and Sonora, in addition to waves of five to seven meters on the coasts.
[Publicidad]