Hurricane Polo Lashes Mexico's Pacific Coast as Beaches Shut, Shelters Open

Southwestern Mexico braced for heavy rain and mudslides on Wednesday as Hurricane Polo churned off the Pacific coast, with authorities warning of life-threatening flooding.

Rain and strong winds were already striking Acapulco in Guerrero state, where beaches were closed and waves pounded the shoreline. Lifeguard Pedro Valle continued patrolling the beachfront despite the conditions.

"I'm making my rounds, mainly to warn anyone who might be walking along the beach. We're letting them know that the red flag is up, which means the beach is completely closed," Valle said.

Polo was expected to skirt Guerrero rather than make landfall, but the National Hurricane Center warned the "extremely dangerous" storm could bring 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) of rain through Thursday. Guerrero was seen as particularly at risk of life-threatening flooding and mudslides.

The approaching hurricane revived memories of past storms for workers along Acapulco's beachfront.

"Yes, there is some fear because we already went through this with (Hurricane) Otis. A lot of people kept saying it wouldn't happen, but then it did. So after that, you're left a little on edge," bartender Gonzalo Ramírez said.

Farther northwest in Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan, residents filled sandbags and erected barricades along the beach as they prepared for more rain. Local civil protection chief Arturo Sánchez said temporary shelters were being activated in case residents needed them.

"Rain is forecast for this afternoon and tomorrow as well. So we're currently activating temporary shelters in case they're needed," Sánchez said, standing alongside military personnel.

Mexico's government called for evacuations in some areas and set up shelters, while thousands of military and Red Cross personnel were deployed to the region as a preventive measure.