Tropical Storm Polo weakened over northwestern Mexico on Tuesday after making a second landfall near the port city of Guaymas, following its earlier passage across the Baja California peninsula. The storm, which initially struck the peninsula as a Category 2 hurricane, had its maximum sustained winds decrease to 100 kph by midday, with forecasts indicating rapid weakening as it moved further inland.

Despite the weakening, authorities and forecasters warned that Polo’s moisture could continue to produce heavy rainfall across parts of Mexico and beyond. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) projected rainfall totals of 10 to 15 centimeters across southern and central Sonora state, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 20 centimeters. This raised concerns over the risk of life-threatening flooding and mudslides.

Local reports from Baja California Sur described significant impacts from Polo’s earlier landfall. The storm caused flooding in various crossings, toppled palm trees and utility poles, and led to road closures enforced by police due to inundation. Residents took precautionary measures in anticipation of the storm’s arrival. One local resident, Bertha Lopez, said they had secured their property thoroughly and were relieved the storm was not as severe as expected. Baja California Sur Governor Victor Manuel Castro confirmed that no fatalities had been reported in connection with the storm.

In addition to Polo, the region was monitoring Tropical Storm Rachel, which was intensifying offshore. Located approximately 435 kilometers west-southwest of the port of Lazaro Cardenas, Rachel had strengthened with sustained winds reaching 110 kph as of Tuesday. The National Hurricane Center forecast Rachel to upgrade to hurricane status later that night and predicted it could become a major hurricane by Wednesday. Rachel was expected to move parallel to the southwestern coast of Mexico but remain offshore, potentially bringing further storm-related risks to the region.

Private weather forecasters also noted that the remnants of Polo could contribute to widespread rainfall extending into the southwestern and central United States, potentially affecting the US Southwest and Plains with increased precipitation over the coming days. This broad forecast underscored concerns that Polo’s impact would not be limited to Mexico alone.

Overall, while Polo was diminishing in strength, the region remained vigilant in monitoring ongoing and upcoming weather threats posed by these tropical systems.