Hurricane Polo reached Category 5 intensity in the eastern Pacific Ocean on 23 September 2026, making it one of the most powerful storms of the season. The system is tracking offshore and is not currently forecast to make direct landfall, but its outer bands are already generating tropical storm conditions along a significant stretch of Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Which Areas Are Affected
Active tropical storm watches and warnings are in place for the states of Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, Jalisco, and parts of Nayarit. Coastal communities face heavy rainfall, gusty winds, dangerous surf, and the risk of localised flash flooding — particularly in low-lying areas near rivers.
Puerto Vallarta and the Costa Alegre stretch between Manzanillo and Barra de Navidad sit within the advisory zone. Airports at Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Manzanillo (ZLO), and Zihuatanejo (ZIH) could see reduced service or temporary closures depending on how the storm tracks over the next 24 to 48 hours.
What Travellers Should Do Right Now
If you are currently on the Pacific coast in the affected zone:
- Monitor updates from México’s Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN) and the US National Hurricane Center (NHC)
- Follow all guidance from local authorities — evacuation orders are possible in some coastal municipalities
- Do not swim, wade, or enter the ocean while tropical conditions persist
- Contact your airline and travel insurer about disruption coverage
If you have upcoming travel to the Pacific coast in the next 72 hours:
- Call your airline before heading to the airport — most carriers are offering free date changes during active storm advisories for affected routes
- Ask your accommodation whether early departure or voluntary date changes are possible without penalty
- Check your travel insurance policy for trip interruption and delay coverage
Flight Disruptions and Rebooking Rights
Airlines operating to PVR, ZLO, and ZIH are monitoring the situation closely. Under Mexican aviation consumer regulations, passengers are entitled to rebooking at no additional charge when a disruption is caused by weather. Keep any correspondence confirming your original booking in case you need to make a claim.
When Conditions Will Improve
Polo is expected to weaken as it moves over progressively cooler water north of the Baja California Peninsula. Tropical storm conditions along the Guerrero and Jalisco coasts are expected to ease within 48 to 72 hours of the storm’s passage, though elevated surf and lingering showers could persist for several days afterward.
For a full overview of which months carry the highest storm risk on each coast, see our guide to hurricane season in Mexico. If your trip to Puerto Vallarta or the wider Pacific coast was disrupted, that guide also covers the best windows for rebooking. If you are still arranging cover for this or future Pacific coast travel, Mexico travel insurance with named storm and trip disruption clauses is worth comparing before you fly.