Residents along Mexico’s west coast and Hawaii’s Big Island are preparing for potentially devastating impacts as two hurricanes develop simultaneously in the Pacific Ocean. Hurricane Nolo formed Thursday night and is expected to strengthen while shifting toward the Big Island, where forecasters warn of significant rainfall. Meanwhile, Hurricane Polo threatens heavy rain, flooding, and landslides along Mexico’s coast.

The National Hurricane Center has forecast rainfall totals of 38 to 76 centimeters for Hawaii’s Big Island, with the possibility of even higher amounts through the weekend. The island of Maui also faces the risk of life-threatening floods due to the storm. Hawaii has already experienced a challenging season, enduring major flooding in the spring, an earthquake, and two other hurricanes since mid-August. John Bravender of the National Weather Service in Honolulu noted this situation is unprecedented in his two decades of experience, marking the first time the islands have faced three hurricane watches in a single year.

In Mexico, preparations are underway along the west coast, particularly in the port city of Lazaro Cardenas, where seawater surged into homes on Thursday, scattering debris across streets. Local authorities have opened shelters and evacuated residents from vulnerable areas to mitigate the impact of heavy rains expected from Hurricane Polo. Coastal businesses have been reinforced with sandbags as residents brace for the storm.

The concern among Mexican residents remains high, recalling the unexpected devastation wrought by Hurricane Otis in 2023, which caused widespread disruption in Acapulco for weeks. “So many people said it wouldn’t happen and then it did. After that, you’re left on edge,” said Gonzalo Ramirez, a bartender in the city.

These powerful Pacific storms are part of broader climatic changes attributed to the El Niño phenomenon, which is driving significant shifts in weather patterns worldwide, including intensified droughts in some regions and increased flooding in others. Authorities in both Mexico and Hawaii continue to monitor the situation closely as conditions evolve and urge residents to follow safety advisories.