# Hurricane Polo rapidly intensifies off Mexico, fueled by strong El Niño

https://mins.news/en/item/69503

- The Guardian, 2026-09-22 19:09 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/22/hurricane-polo-mexico

> Tropical Storm Polo became a Category 5 hurricane in less than 24 hours, reaching sustained winds of 165mph as it churned south of Zihuatanejo. Forecasters expect Mexico to avoid a direct hit but warn that further strengthening, life-threatening inland flooding and mudslides, dangerous surf and rip currents remain possible. Polo’s rapid intensification is linked to unusually strong El Niño patterns.

## Related coverage

- [Hurricane Polo churns off Mexico](https://mins.news/en/video/70460) — France 24 English, 2026-09-23
- [Hurricane Polo intensifies into rare Category 5 storm off Mexico](https://mins.news/en/item/70323) — BBC News, 2026-09-23
- [Hurricane Polo strengthens to Category 5 off Mexico’s Pacific coast](https://mins.news/en/item/68995) — Reuters, 2026-09-22