Hurricane Polo rapidly intensifies, approaches Category 5 strength

EXPECTED TO MOVE SLOWLY OFF THE COAST OF Mexico DURING THE NEXT Couple Of Days... 61 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. 8 West.

Polo is moving toward the east-southeast near 6 mph (9 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 150 mph (240 km/h) with higher gusts.

Polo is a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Continued rapid intensification is forecast, and Polo could become a Category 5 hurricane later today. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 90 miles (150 km). 61 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 intermediate advisory at 600 AM CST. Next complete advisory at 900 AM CST.