Two powerful hurricanes in the Pacific are threatening communities in Hawaii and Mexico, bringing the risk of heavy rainfall, flash flooding, mudslides, strong winds and dangerous coastal conditions. Hurricane Nolo moved south of Hawaii over the weekend and was gradually moving away from the islands, but forecasters warned that its outer bands could continue to produce life-threatening weather. Parts of the Big Island remained under high-wind and high-surf advisories, with heavy rain expected in areas that have already been affected by previous storms. Nolo’s maximum sustained winds increased to around 105 mph as it passed south of Hawaii. Although the center of the hurricane was expected to remain offshore, forecasters warned that the storm’s large circulation could still bring intense rainfall and damaging winds to parts of the islands. The Big Island has been particularly vulnerable because the ground in some areas remains saturated from previous storms. Additional rainfall could quickly overwhelm drainage systems, causing streams and rivers to rise and triggering flash floods and mudslides. Some areas of the Big Island could receive as much as 20 inches of rain, according to forecasts, although rainfall totals will vary significantly depending on the storm’s track. Hawaii officials activated hundreds of National Guard members and urged residents to remain prepared for flooding, power outages, dangerous roads and other storm-related hazards. Residents in flood-prone areas were encouraged to move to safer locations before conditions deteriorated. Authorities also warned people to avoid driving through flooded roads, where water depth and current strength can be difficult to judge. Strong surf was another major concern. Nolo’s circulation was generating large waves and dangerous ocean conditions, creating risks for swimmers, surfers, boaters and people near exposed coastal areas.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Polo was approaching Mexico’s Baja California peninsula after producing dangerous weather along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Polo remained a major hurricane Sunday, although its strength had fluctuated as it moved over the Pacific. Forecasters expected the storm to approach or make landfall in Baja California Sur, bringing the potential for heavy rain, strong winds, storm surge and dangerous surf. A hurricane warning was in effect for portions of northwestern Mexico as authorities prepared coastal communities for the storm’s arrival. Mexican authorities opened shelters and took precautionary measures in areas expected to experience the strongest effects. Ports were closed in some locations, schools were suspended in affected areas and residents were urged to secure homes and prepare for possible flooding. Polo had already produced large waves, heavy rainfall and flooding along portions of Mexico’s Pacific coast. Some communities reported damage to homes and businesses, while emergency crews worked to clear debris and assist residents. The greatest concern as Polo moves toward Baja California is the combination of heavy rainfall, powerful winds and coastal flooding. Roads could become impassable, particularly in mountainous areas where heavy rain can trigger landslides.
The storm is also expected to affect weather conditions farther north. Moisture associated with Polo could move into the southwestern United States, increasing the possibility of heavy rainfall and flash flooding in parts of Arizona and New Mexico. Another Pacific hurricane, Odalys, was also being monitored, although forecasters expected it to weaken and move away from land. The unusual concentration of powerful storms has drawn attention from meteorologists. The storms are developing during a strong El Niño pattern, which can influence atmospheric conditions and contribute to increased tropical cyclone activity in parts of the Pacific. For Hawaii, the immediate concern is the continuing threat from Nolo even as the hurricane moves farther away. Officials are warning residents that dangerous flooding and coastal conditions can continue after the center of a hurricane has passed. In Mexico, attention is focused on Polo and its expected approach toward Baja California. Emergency authorities are urging residents in vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas to follow evacuation instructions and remain alert to rapidly changing conditions.
Forecasters continue to emphasize that hurricane impacts can extend well beyond the storm’s center. Heavy rain, flooding, mudslides, high surf and strong winds can affect communities hundreds of kilometres from the eye. Residents in affected areas have been advised to rely on official weather and emergency alerts and to avoid unnecessary travel while hazardous conditions continue.