Category 5 hurricane Polo churns off Mexico's Pacific coast
Hurricane Polo is one of the strongest Pacific cyclones in decades, positioned 325 kilometres south of Zihuatanejo.
Hurricane Polo has become one of the most powerful Pacific cyclones in recent decades. The storm is located about 325 kilometres south of Zihuatanejo in Guerrero state.
The storm is forecast to move sharply northwest over coming days. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said experts believe the hurricane will not hit land directly.
But effects will still reach the coast. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 65 kilometres from the storm's center.
Tropical storm-force winds reach up to 169 kilometres from the eye. Heavy rain could produce flash flooding and mudslides across Guerrero, Michoacán and other coastal states.
Polo's strength matches Hurricane Patricia. Patricia is one of only a few Pacific storms as strong in recent decades.
- 325 kilometres
- Distance from Zihuatanejo
- 65 kilometres from centre
- Hurricane-force wind radius
- 169 kilometres from eye
- Tropical storm wind radius
- Hurricane Patricia
- Comparable storm
Why it mattersThis hurricane is one of the strongest storms ever in the (Pacific) Basin. It threatens serious harm to coastal communities.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but extreme Pacific cyclones can influence weather patterns across the southern hemisphere in subsequent weeks.
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