Hurricane Polo Makes Landfall in Baja California, Causing Flooding and Damage

PUERTO SAN CARLOS, Mexico (AP) — Hurricane Polo made landfall in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur on Tuesday, bringing powerful winds and rain that resulted in flooding in coastal areas and downed trees in the streets. The Category 2 hurricane struck land just south of Las Barrancas, approximately 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of Cabo San Lazaro, with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph (175 kph). Authorities reported that about 700 people were in shelters on Tuesday, but they were expected to return to their homes soon, and no serious damage or fatalities were immediately reported. After passing over the small fishing town of Puerto San Carlos, residents navigated through ankle-high water that flooded some homes, while downed trees littered the area. Shopkeeper Elbia María Bachomo, 40, described her experience of evacuating with her three children as water began to flood their home. She expressed relief that her husband, who was fishing at the time, returned safely. Forecasters predicted that Polo would produce 6 to 12 inches (about 15 to 30 centimeters) of rain across parts of Baja California Sur. By late Tuesday morning, the weakened storm made a second landfall and moved inland into the Mexican state of Sonora after crossing the Gulf of California. Sonora officials suspended all nonessential activities, including schools and sports, in the state capital and over a dozen municipalities. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Rachel was reported to be moving parallel to Mexico's coast, located about 265 miles (425 kilometers) southwest of Lazaro Cardenos with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (105 kph). Rain bands from the storm affected the U.S. Southwest, causing desert rivers to swell and flood watches to be issued throughout the region. Forecasters warned that north-central New Mexico, including Albuquerque and Santa Fe, could experience significant rainfall, with predictions of 3 to 4 inches (about 8 to 10 centimeters) through Wednesday. The system also impacted Phoenix, where up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) of rain fell. Flooding was reported in southern New Mexico, exacerbated by an unusually wet September. The flood risk is expected to extend into parts of the central U.S. starting late Tuesday and into Wednesday, with heavy rain anticipated in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio areas. Parts of west Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa were under flood watch through Thursday, with some areas expecting up to 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rain. In the central Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Nolo remained a Category 3 hurricane, moving north at 9 mph (15 kph) and posing a threat to Hawaii. Nolo was approximately 270 miles (435 kilometers) south-southeast of French Frigate Shoals, with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph (175 kph). This season has seen above-average Pacific storm activity, consistent with El Niño years, which typically experience more tropical storms and hurricanes.