Southwest Braces for Major Flash-Flood Threat as Hurricane Polo Sends Heavy Rain Inland
More than 14 million Americans are facing the risk of major flooding as Hurricane Polo, a powerful Category 3 storm, pushes heavy rain into the U.S. Southwest. After making landfall along Baja California, Polo is forecast to cross into northwestern mainland Mexico early Tuesday, producing as much as a foot of rainfall and triggering flash flooding and mudslides. The storm is expected to remain near major hurricane strength at landfall before weakening as it tears across the rugged peninsula and pushes inland toward mainland Mexico late Monday or early Tuesday.
The National Weather Service Prediction Center warned of a “significant flash flood threat across the Four Corners Region eastward into the Central Plains.” That motion is expected to continue throughout Tuesday morning, along with significant acceleration, according to the hurricane center. Heavy rain and flash flooding will be possible, particularly in areas that have already picked up significant rain in recent weeks, according to the National Weather Service office in El Paso. The Mexican government has issued hurricane warnings for parts of Baja California Sur and mainland Mexico.
Meanwhile, another major storm, Hurricane Nolo, moved past Hawaii’s Big Island over the weekend, bringing heavy rain and winds to the state. As Polo moves inland, the threat of flash flooding will extend well beyond the immediate coast, affecting inland communities across the Southwest and Central Plains. Residents in the path of the storm are urged to stay informed and heed evacuation orders if issued.
With saturated ground and mountainous terrain, the risk of rapid flooding and mudslides remains high. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as Polo’s remnants could bring additional rainfall to an already waterlogged region. (AFP via Getty Images)
Shimanta Das 
