Hurricane Polo threat remains as LA beaches brace for coastal flooding, erosion, and high surf

The City of Angels is bracing for monster Hurricane Polo as its effects reverberate across California’s Golden Coast.

Los Angeles’ Emergency Management Department issued an alert Friday evening warning residents of “dangerous coastal weather” due to the huge storm and other effects from Hurricane Odalys.

Officials said to expect “coastal beach flooding, erosion, and high surf” from Sunday night to Wednesday.

“Moderate coastal flooding is expected in the Los Angeles area,” the alert says. “During this time, there is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents will be widespread and very strong, potentially pulling swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore. Enhanced beach erosion is also expected to occur.”

Officials expect high tide to likely cause flooding in areas like coastal Los Angeles parking lots, beaches, and walkways. Residents can obtain sandbags from Los Angeles city fire stations if they’re concerned about flooding.

California coastal cities like Long Beach and Newport Beach have already begun preparations for the monster storm after Hurricane Marie battered them. But no direct impact on California is expected.

Hurricane Polo is projected to make landfall in Baja California Sur on Monday as “a strong hurricane,” according to NOAA. The hurricane has weakened back to a Category 4 after exploding to become a strong Category 5 hurricane on Friday.

Polo’s maximum sustained winds are sitting at 145 miles per hour as of Saturday morning. More “gradual weakening” is expected for the hurricane before it hits Mexico.

A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Punta Eugenia to Santa Fe in Baja California Sur. Watches are typically issued 48 hours before the first occurrence of tropical storm-force winds, according to NOAA.

Embassy officials have warned American tourists about the danger of staying for the storm and have advised them to listen to local media and follow the directions of local officials.

Hurricane Polo is expected to glide through Baja California Sur before hitting mainland Mexico, and weakening until it hits parts of Texas and New Mexico as a much weaker storm.

Internet meteorologist Max Velocity pointed out that the threat of rainfall in Baja California Sur could trigger flooding and mudslides across the popular tourist region.

“Heavy rainfall could also become a major threat, with life-threatening flooding and mudslides possible across Baja California Sur, especially in areas of steep terrain. Polo may finally be weakening, but it is still an extremely dangerous hurricane heading toward Mexico, and its remnants could contribute to flooding across the southwestern and central United States in the coming days…” he wrote.

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