Hurricane Polo threatens catastrophic flooding along Mexico's coast as dangerous swells push toward Southern California and Hawaii

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 September 2026.

Hurricane Polo has already triggered flooding and high tides in San Blas, Nayarit, as the storm tracks offshore and batters Mexico's coastline with 125mph sustained winds, storm surges and the threat of catastrophic flooding and mudslides. Southern California faces dangerous surf and coastal inundation, while forecasters warn the storm could carry heavy rain into the US Southwest after crossing the mainland. A second hurricane, Nolo, is simultaneously pulling away from Hawaii after triggering high winds and dangerous surf across the Big Island.

In Puerto San Carlos, a fishing community of 5,700, authorities warned 90% of the town is vulnerable to flooding if earthen flood barriers give way.

Resident Rocío Sánchez said civil protection officials ordered evacuation, warning the barriers 'wouldn't hold' against the expected waves, wind and tidal surge.

Along Southern California's coastline, active advisories caution of hazardous surf-driven swells pushing north from Polo, bringing the threat of rip currents and inundation to shore communities.