Three hurricanes are currently moving across the Pacific Ocean during an unusually active storm season, with Mexico and Hawaii monitoring two systems that could bring dangerous weather. The storms, named Polo, Nolo and Odalys, are being fuelled by an exceptionally strong El Niño event that has raised ocean temperatures in the eastern tropical Pacific.
Polo, currently a Category 5 hurricane, is moving towards Mexico’s Baja California peninsula and is expected to weaken before potentially making landfall early next week. Nolo, meanwhile, is forecast to strengthen as it approaches Hawaii, bringing the risk of heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides. Odalys, a Category 4 hurricane, is moving across open water and is not currently expected to threaten any coastline.
The exceptionally strong El Niño has contributed to one of the Pacific’s most active hurricane seasons in recent years. Nine hurricanes have already formed in the Pacific this season, including three that reached Category 5 strength. By contrast, the Atlantic has yet to see a single hurricane develop, marking an unusually quiet period for the basin.
Polo threatens Mexico’s Baja California
Polo was located approximately 660 kilometres south of Cabo San Lucas on Friday, with sustained winds of around 290 kilometres per hour and stronger gusts, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The storm is expected to lose strength before reaching the western coast of Baja California early next week. Despite the anticipated weakening, authorities are closely monitoring its path as it moves towards the Mexican peninsula.
Nolo could bring dangerous flooding to Hawaii
Nolo was classified as a Category 1 hurricane on Friday, with sustained winds of around 140 kilometres per hour. Located approximately 355 kilometres south of Hawaii’s southernmost point, the storm is forecast to intensify over the weekend before passing near the island chain.
The NHC warned that the system could trigger life-threatening flash floods and landslides, particularly in steep areas of eastern and southern parts of the Big Island and Maui.
Heavy rainfall is expected to be the main concern as the hurricane approaches the islands, with the potential for severe impacts in vulnerable areas.
Odalys remains far from land
The third storm, Odalys, is currently a Category 4 hurricane moving across the Pacific between Hawaii and Mexico. On Friday, it was located around 1,500 kilometres west of Baja California.
The NHC said there were no coastal watches or warnings in effect for Odalys and forecast that the storm would weaken over the weekend as it continues moving over open water.
The Pacific hurricane season officially runs from May 15 to November 30, while the Atlantic season begins on June 1 and ends on the same date. While the Pacific has experienced a particularly active year, the lack of hurricanes in the Atlantic stands out as an unusual feature of the current season.
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