Potential Impact of Tropical Storm Polo on Southern California

A tropical storm is rapidly intensifying into a dangerous hurricane in the Pacific Ocean, potentially bringing more humid weather to Southern California. Forecasters are closely monitoring this development.

According to the National Hurricane Center’s recent forecast, Tropical Storm Polo is expected to become a major hurricane as it approaches the southwestern coast of Mexico. The storm may deliver heavy rain, which could lead to life-threatening floods and landslides.

Though it remains uncertain, Polo might draw tropical moisture into Southern California. Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, explained that atmospheric patterns at higher altitudes will determine this.

Previous Pacific storms, like Hurricane Marie, have brought unusually warm and humid conditions to the region. Polo is the 16th named storm this year in the Eastern Pacific.

The earliest possible impact from Polo on Southern California would be late in the upcoming weekend, as stated by Lewis. The most significant effect could be increased surf from a south swell. However, the exact impact is uncertain due to the unpredictable track of the storm.

“After almost an entire summer of southern swell after southern swell, there could be some issues for those vulnerable coastlines,” Lewis said.

This year, several counties and towns, like Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and Carlsbad, have declared local emergencies. The main concern is coastal erosion due to high surf from powerful Pacific storms.

El Niño conditions often lead to an active hurricane season in the eastern Pacific and heavy winter rains in Southern California. This year’s El Niño is anticipated to be exceptionally strong.

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide emergency ahead of anticipated storms this winter, expecting high surf and significant storms due to the weather pattern.

Grace Toohey, Times staff writer, contributed additional insights to this report.