Tropical Storm Polo Forms Off Mexico With Rapid Strengthening Forecast

Tropical Storm Polo formed off southwestern Mexico with maximum sustained winds of about 40 mph and was located roughly 270 miles south of Manzanillo. The National Hurricane Center forecast rapid strengthening, potentially to major-hurricane intensity by midweek, as Polo moves eastward before turning north and northwest. Heavy rain through Thursday could affect Michoacán, Colima and Jalisco, bringing flooding, dangerous surf, strong winds, poor visibility and disruptions to roads, coastal travel, tourism and marine operations. Forecast rainfall totals along parts of the coast could reach 4 to 8 inches, with localized amounts near 12 inches, while wind gusts could reach 80 mph and locally 100 mph. Although no coastal watches or warnings had been issued at the time of the reports, authorities and travelers were urged to closely monitor the storm because its intensity and track could change quickly.