By Carlos Mendoza | Breaking News
UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 — Hurricane Polo remains the dominant weather story for Los Cabos, and the situation has now produced a concrete local impact: preventive restrictions on small-vessel navigation at the Port of Cabo San Lucas.
The National Hurricane Center reported Polo as an extremely powerful Category 5 hurricane just after midnight Wednesday, with maximum sustained winds near 165 mph (270 km/h) while nearly stationary south of Zihuatanejo. Forecasts continue to show the system eventually turning northwestward and weakening as it moves farther offshore.
Cabo San Lucas port restrictions begin
Local maritime reporting says the Port of Cabo San Lucas announced a preventive closure to small-vessel navigation beginning at midnight Wednesday as authorities monitor Polo and expected marine conditions.
The restriction affects recreational boating and can disrupt fishing charters, sailing, yacht excursions and other small-craft activity. Travelers with marine reservations should contact their operator before heading to the marina and follow instructions from port authorities.
Does this mean Polo will hit Cabo?
No direct Cabo landfall should be assumed from the current forecast. Polo’s center is expected to remain offshore, and track and intensity forecasts can change. However, large hurricanes can produce dangerous swell, currents, wind and rain well away from their centers.
The key message for Los Cabos today is preparation rather than panic. Conditions and official restrictions can change before the storm reaches its closest point to the peninsula.
What residents and visitors should do today
Residents should secure loose outdoor items, review storm supplies, charge phones and continue following official updates from Protección Civil, Mexico’s Servicio Meteorológico Nacional and the National Hurricane Center.
Visitors should confirm marine activities directly with operators and monitor airline and hotel communications as the week progresses. Calm weather on land does not necessarily mean offshore conditions are safe.
The Cabo Magazine will continue updating this story as official forecasts and local restrictions change.
Sources: National Hurricane Center Hurricane Polo advisories; local Cabo San Lucas maritime reporting, September 23, 2026.
