// BBC WORLD NEWS — MONDO
Mexico's Pacific coast braces for Hurricane Polo
Lifeguards raised red flags on the beaches of Baja California Sur to alert holidaymakers of the hazardous sea conditions
People living on the northern Pacific coast of Mexico are bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Polo, which is forecast to make landfall later on Monday or early on Tuesday.
The category three storm, with maximum sustained winds near 115 mph (185 km/h), is expected to move over the state of Baja California Sur, a region popular with tourists and home to the resort destination of Los Cabos.
Meteorologists at the US-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) have warned of heavy rainfall which could lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.
Residents on Sunday stocked up on essentials such as drinking water and food as the storm approached.
The NHC warned of the storm surge Hurricane Polo could unleash, which it said could be accompanied by large and destructive waves.
In Cabo San Lucas, famous for its natural rock arch, the authorities restricted access to the beaches. Some restaurants also closed in the town, which acts as a base for sport fishers and whale watchers.
The Arch was created by the tides and the erosion of the wind over thousands of years
The regional government of Baja California Sur has ordered schools to remain closed on Monday as a preventive measure.
Governor Víctor Manuel Castro Cosío said temporary shelters had been opened should residents need to be evacuated.