Multiple tropical cyclones threaten Mexico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Northeast
Hurricane Polo, a Category 5 storm in the Pacific, has been battering parts of Mexico and is forecast to reach Baja California on Monday. Hurricane Nolo may bring heavy rain and potentially catastrophic flash flooding to Hawaii’s Big Island over the weekend, while Tropical Storm Gonzalo has prompted warnings in Cape Verde. A nor’easter is also expected to cause minor to moderate coastal flooding along southern New England and the New York City area, including Long Island.
Polo became the first eastern Pacific hurricane on record to reach Category 5 strength in three separate stretches, after another eyewall replacement cycle. It was centered roughly 660 kilometers south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas on Friday morning, with sustained winds near 285 km/h. Forecasters warned that Polo might bring flooding to parts of several U.S. states next week.
Meanwhile, Odalys was a Category 4 Pacific hurricane expected to stay away from land, while Fay was forecast to weaken over open Atlantic waters. Gonzalo triggered tropical storm warnings in Cape Verde. An unusually early nor’easter was projected to raise coastal water levels from New Jersey to Maine.
Residents and visitors in Baja California, Mexico, could face dangerous surf, rip currents, and landfall impacts. Hawaii’s Big Island may see flash flooding that threatens lives, while Cape Verde may experience strong winds and heavy rain. Along the U.S. Northeast, coastal communities from southern New England through New York City and Long Island may contend with high-tide flooding, road closures, and travel disruptions. Maritime interests in the Atlantic and Pacific could also face hazardous conditions.