Claudia Sheinbaum called on coastal residents to stay alert as a tropical system grew into a high-intensity storm. Hurricane Polo reached Category 5 strength and is currently moving off the Pacific coast of Mexico, where the National Hurricane Center reports it remains extremely dangerous and is forecast to skirt the western shoreline.

The system previously transitioned from a tropical storm with 80 mph winds into a major hurricane over the last several days. Local authorities warn that the storm threatens the region with major flooding and mudslides, prompting the Mexican president to urge people in affected areas to remain vigilant.