Hurricane Polo Becomes Second Strongest Eastern Pacific Storm on Record Hurricane Polo is a Category 5 storm with 180 mph winds and pressure below 890 millibars, making it the second strongest hurricane ever recorded in the eastern Pacific. Hurricane Polo has strengthened into a Category 5 major hurricane in the eastern Pacific Ocean, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 180 mph as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm, located 215 miles south of Zihuatanejo, Mexico, underwent rapid intensification and is now the second strongest hurricane on record for the eastern Pacific basin after its central pressure dropped below 890 millibars. The U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs issued a weather alert for the region on Tuesday afternoon. Hurricane Polo Sets Pressure RecordMeteorologists reported that Hurricane Polo became the second strongest hurricane ever recorded in the eastern Pacific on Tuesday when its air pressure fell below 890 millibars. Lower millibar readings indicate a stronger storm. MyRadar Weather noted on social media that such a low pressure reading is virtually unheard of for the basin.In addition to the extremely low pressure, the storm's eye was approximately 29 degrees warmer than the surrounding atmosphere, a sign of its exceptional intensity. The only stronger storm on record in the eastern Pacific is Hurricane Patricia, which formed in 2015 and dropped to 872 millibars with maximum sustained winds of 215 mph. That storm directly caused two deaths, according to an NHC report. It remains to be seen whether Hurricane Polo will surpass Patricia.The NHC stated that some additional strengthening is possible Tuesday night, with fluctuations in strength possible Wednesday and Wednesday night. Hurricane Polo is a Category 5 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, which measures hurricane strength based on wind speeds. A major hurricane is defined as a storm reaching Category 3 wind speeds or higher.Warnings and Expected ImpactsWhile current forecasts do not show Hurricane Polo making landfall at least through Sunday, tropical storm warnings are in effect across the region. The storm is expected to cause wind, rain, and surf impacts over the next few days. The NHC warned that heavy rain would be possible in Guerrero and Michoacán, Mexico, through Thursday, and tropical storm winds could reach Mexico by early Wednesday.The U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs alert stated that Hurricane Polo is projected to approach the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula on Saturday, September 26, or Sunday, September 27. Heavy rain may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, while hazardous ocean conditions may result in deadly rip currents and rogue waves. Officials advised avoiding entering the water or walking on beaches during dangerous conditions, heeding warnings from local authorities, and monitoring official weather updates closely. Baja California could begin to experience impacts this weekend.Looking ahead, Polo appears to stay offshore through Sunday morning as it moves toward Baja California. By Sunday, the storm is still expected to be a major hurricane, according to NHC forecasts. People residing in or traveling near the impacted areas should monitor local weather guidance and be prepared to take action or evacuate if needed.Newsweek reached out to the NHC by email on Tuesday afternoon for comment.