Hurricane Polo strengthens to Category 4
Hurricane Polo rapidly strengthened to a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 km/h), according to the National Hurricane Center. Continued rapid intensification is forecast, with Polo potentially becoming a Category 5 storm.
POLO RAPIDLY STRENGTHENS TO A Category 4 HURRICANE... 20 Inches Watches And Warnings Changes With This Advisory: None. Summary Of Watches And Warnings In Effect: A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for... • Tecpan de Galeana to Manzanillo, Mexico.
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours. Interests elsewhere along the southwestern Mexico coast should continue to monitor the progress of this system as additional watches and warnings could be necessary today. For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your national meteorological service. 1 West.
Polo is moving toward the east-southeast near 5 mph (7 km/h). This general motion is expected to continue today, with a sharp turn toward the northwest and west-northwest anticipated tonight and Wednesday. On the forecast track, the core of Polo is expected to be near the coast of southwestern Mexico during the next few days, although forecast to remain offshore. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 130 mph (215 km/h) with higher gusts.
Polo is a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Continued rapid intensification is forecast over the next day or so, and Polo could become a potentially catastrophic Category 5 hurricane today or Wednesday. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles (130 km). 20 inches).
Hazards Affecting Land Key messages for Polo can be found in the Tropical Cyclone Discussion under AWIPS header MIATCDEP2 and WMO header WTPZ42 KNHC. WIND: Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area by early Wednesday. RAINFALL: Polo is expected to produce rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches, with isolated maximum totals up to 12 inches across coastal portions of the Mexican states of Guerrero and Michoacán through Thursday. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.
Rainfall of 3 to 6 inches is possible in coastal portions of Oaxaca, Colima, and Jalisco through Thursday. rainqpf SURF: Swells generated by Polo are expected to affect portions of the coast of southwestern Mexico during the next few days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.
Next Advisory Next complete advisory at 300 AM CST.