Thursday, September 18, 2014

Polo Threatens Mexico Following Odile's Destruction

By Eric Leister, Meteorologist
September 18,2014; 9:09PM,EDT
 
 
Polo continues to churn off the west coast of Mexico, right on the heels of former Hurricane Odile which brought devastation to parts of the Baja California peninsula.
While Polo battled disruptive winds into Wednesday morning, it became better organized Wednesday afternoon and evening and reached hurricane status Wednesday night. As of Thursday afternoon, the hurricane was downgraded to a tropical storm.
A continued northwest track over the next 24 to 48 hours will move the tropical system into an area of increasing wind shear but still very warm water temperatures.

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During this time, Polo will track close enough to the Mexico coastline that tropical storm-force wind gusts and locally heavy rainfall will impact coastal areas from western Guerrero through Jalisco. Flooding is the greatest concern during this time, but mudslides are possible due to the rugged terrain of the region.
Polo is expected to remain on a general northwest track, parallel to the Mexico coastline through this weekend when it will make its closest approach to southern Baja California Sur.
This animated GIF shows Polo tracking west of Mexico. (NOAA/Satellite)
These areas are still recovering from former Hurricane Odile which brought widespread damaging winds and flooding rainfall to the popular tourist destinations of the region. Many areas around Cabo San Lucas still do not have power or phone service days after Odile slammed the region.
Polo will move over cooler waters this weekend which will lead weakening as the storm turns northwest, keeping it offshore from the Baja California peninsula.

While a direct landfall is not expected in Baja California Sur, Polo may track close enough to bring gusty winds and localized downpours late this week. Any rainfall or gusty winds could lead to further delays in restoring power and other utilities to the region.
RELATED:
PHOTOS: Odile Leaves Trail of Damage in 'Worst Case Scenario' for Baja California Resorts
Mexico Weather Center
Odile Poised to Bring Catastrophic Flooding to Southwest US

Polo will continue to weaken Sunday into Monday as it remains off the coast of the Baja California peninsula.

On Social Media
Sally Fields
BoatsFitnessFun
A second hurricane heading toward Baja California, while all rain from Hurricane Odile avoid drought ridden California #EndDays
On Scene Consulting
Onsceneconsult
#HurricanePolo has formed off the west coast of Mexico, threatening area just hit by #HurricaneOdile.... fb.me/1FqB4VY46
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