Tropical Storm Polo is building, could hit SoCal with higher surf

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Tropical Storm Polo is rapidly strengthening and expected to become a major hurricane near Mexico's southwestern coast, bringing risks of heavy rain, flooding, and landslides. Its potential to push moist air northward could cause warmer, more humid conditions and increased coastal surf in Southern California, where officials are preparing for possible impacts amid an ongoing strong El Niño event.

A rapidly intensifying tropical storm in the Pacific Ocean is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane near the southwestern coast of Mexico, potentially bringing heavy rainfall and hazardous conditions to the region, forecasters said Monday. Tropical Storm Polo, the 16th named storm of the eastern Pacific hurricane season, poses increased risks of flooding and landslides as it approaches land.

The National Hurricane Center has warned that Polo may become a “very dangerous” hurricane in the coming days as it moves closer to Mexico’s coastline. While the direct impact is anticipated primarily in Mexico, meteorologists noted the possibility of indirect effects reaching Southern California if atmospheric conditions steer tropical moisture northward.

Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Oxnard, said that Polo could draw humid air into Southern California, bringing warmer and muggy conditions similar to those produced by previous Pacific storms like Hurricane Marie. However, Lewis emphasized that the extent of these effects remains uncertain and depends on the storm’s eventual track and upper-atmospheric weather patterns.

Any measurable influence on Southern California is not expected before the end of the weekend at the earliest, with increased surf along coastal areas considered the most likely outcome. Lewis warned that a south swell generated by Polo could exacerbate vulnerabilities along the region’s shorelines, which have already experienced beach erosion this year due to strong Pacific storms. Communities including Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and Carlsbad have previously declared local emergencies in response to high surf and sand loss.

Experts also pointed to the ongoing El Niño event, now predicted to be the strongest in decades, as a factor contributing to heightened tropical storm activity in the eastern Pacific and the likelihood of heavy winter rainfall in Southern California. In preparation, California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide emergency to address potential flooding and other impacts anticipated during the upcoming storm season.

While the situation is evolving, officials and residents along the west coast are monitoring the progression of Tropical Storm Polo and its potential to influence weather patterns and coastal conditions in the coming days.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.