Pacific hurricane season intensity driven by El Niño climate dynamics
El Niño conditions are driving above-average Pacific hurricane season intensity with multiple Category 5 storms.
Event / Disaster
2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Major hurricanes and tropical storms affecting Mexico, the United States, and Pacific marine areas during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, including landfall events, flooding, and evacuations across multiple states.
12 reported locations
Daily activity
20 articles0 articles
2026-09-24 to 2026-10-31 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 24 Sept, 01:35 UTC
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What happened
Pacific hurricane season activity running above average
The Pacific hurricane season was unusually active with storm activity running above average during what is already the peak of hurricane season, according to National Weather Service lead forecaster Bob Oravec. This pattern is consistent with El Niño years, when the Pacific typically sees more tropical storms and hurricanes.
San Juanico, Mexico prepares for Hurricane Polo with limited infrastructure
San Juanico, a small fishing community on Baja's Pacific coast, faced Hurricane Polo with limited resources and infrastructure. The town has only had full-time electricity for a couple of years and still experiences frequent outages. Without power, residents cannot refrigerate food or pump water. The closest gas station is far away and fuel is stored and sold from tanks with supply frequently running out. Access to the closest medical facility in Ciudad Constitucion is about 80 minutes away. The community plans to convert the local elementary school into a shelter but residents feel they must largely prepare on their own without government assistance.
Heavy rainfall expected across Hawaiian Islands with up to 20 inches on Big Island
Parts of the Big Island were expected to see rainfall totals up to 20 inches due to Hurricane Nolo's outer bands. Heavy rain continued to fall across the southern part of the Big Island on Saturday afternoon, leading to partial closures of a main highway connecting Kailua-Kona to Hilo.
Brush fire breaks out on Maui amid hurricane preparations
A brush fire broke out on the west side of Maui on Saturday near the Olowalu area, approximately 7 miles south of Lahaina, the site of the 2023 deadly fires. The fire prompted mandatory evacuations for some residents and shut down parts of a highway. County officials set up two evacuation centers north and south of the fire. A high wind warning was issued for parts of Maui with winds expected at least 40 mph with gusts over 60 mph.
Hawaii still recovering from previous hurricanes Lala and Lowell
Residents of Hawaii were still recovering from Hurricane Lala in August and Hurricane Lowell earlier in September. Hurricane Lala produced heavy rain and winds strong enough to sweep about 100 homes off their foundations on the Big Island. Crews had been working to restore power in Kauai after Hurricane Lowell before shifting focus to preparations for Hurricane Nolo.
Hurricane Nolo approaches Hawaiian Islands with 90 mph winds
Hurricane Nolo churned south of the Big Island of Hawaii with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph, positioned approximately 160-165 miles south-southwest of Hawaii's southernmost point. The storm was forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane while traveling westward to the south of the islands. Direct landfall by the storm's center was not expected, but forecasters warned of life-threatening flooding and mudslides.
Hawaii activates National Guard in response to Hurricane Nolo
Hawaii Governor issued an emergency proclamation activating hundreds of Hawaii National Guard members in response to Hurricane Nolo. More than 120 guard members were activated on the Big Island, part of roughly 400 statewide. National Guard members assisted residents in flooded areas near communities like Naalehu.
President Trump approves emergency declaration for Hawaii
President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for Hawaii on Friday, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate assistance and provide funding support in response to Hurricane Nolo.
Hurricane Polo approaches Baja California Peninsula with 140-145 mph winds
Hurricane Polo was heading toward the Baja California Peninsula after bringing storm conditions to Mexico's southwestern coast with maximum sustained winds of 140-145 mph, making it a Category 4 storm. The hurricane was expected to weaken somewhat before making landfall on Monday.
Tropical Storm Nolo threatens Hawaii with up to 35 inches of rainfall and catastrophic flooding
Forecasters predicted that Tropical Storm Nolo could drop up to 20 inches of rain on Maui and up to 35 inches on the Big Island through Saturday. The heavy rainfall posed particular concern for southeastern portions of the Big Island, the same region impacted by Hurricane Lala in August. Combined with recent months of intermittent rainfall, meteorologists warned the additional rain could cause catastrophic flooding and significant damage.
Tropical Storm Nolo forecast to strengthen into hurricane approaching Hawaii's Big Island
Tropical Storm Nolo was churning approximately 285 miles south of South Point, Hawaii on Thursday, forecast to become a hurricane by Thursday night and approach the Big Island as early as Friday or Saturday. The storm had the potential to become a major hurricane with main concerns focused on catastrophic flash flooding. A hurricane watch was issued for Hawaii County covering the entire Big Island.
Hurricane Lowell leaves over 100 Kauai households without power
Over 100 households on the island of Kauai remained without power on September 25 following Hurricane Lowell, which passed west of the island on September 7. Hawaiian Electric had crews assisting with power restoration before shifting focus to preparations for Tropical Storm Nolo.
Hurricane Polo threatens Mexico's Pacific coast with life-threatening flooding and mudslides
Heavy rain bands from Hurricane Polo poured across Mexico's Pacific coast on Thursday, with the potential to cause life-threatening flooding and landslides. While the eye and strongest winds were expected to remain at sea, the rainfall posed significant risk to coastal areas. Guerrero state was identified as particularly vulnerable to life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Mexican authorities deployed 15,000 security personnel, opened shelters, and cleared residents from beaches as a precautionary measure.
Hurricane Otis in 2023 devastated Acapulco, creating lasting fear among residents
Hurricane Otis unexpectedly struck Acapulco in 2023, plunging the city into turmoil for weeks and causing significant devastation. The experience created lasting apprehension among local residents who remain on edge about hurricane threats, with many expressing fear that similar events could recur as Hurricane Polo approached Mexico's coast.
Mexican authorities deploy 15,000 security personnel to Pacific coast ahead of Hurricane Polo
Mexican authorities deployed 15,000 security personnel across the Pacific coast as a preventive measure and response to Hurricane Polo's threat. The government also suspended schools as a precautionary measure and called for evacuations in high-risk areas, setting up shelters for those affected in preparation for the incoming storm.
Hurricane Polo oscillates between Category 4 and 5 strength off Mexico's Pacific coast
Hurricane Polo maintained major hurricane strength, oscillating between Category 4 and 5, with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph. The storm was positioned approximately 195 miles west-southwest of Zihuatanejo, Mexico on Thursday morning, moving northwest at 9 mph. Hurricane-force winds extended up to 40 miles from the eye and tropical-storm-force winds extended up to 125 miles. The storm was expected to remain a major hurricane for the next several days.
Over 230 Hawaii National Guard members activated for tropical storm response
Governor Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation and activated more than 230 Hawaii National Guard members in preparation for Tropical Storm Nolo. The activation was part of preparedness measures to respond to potential impacts from the approaching storm system.
Hurricane Odalys maintains 90 mph winds in eastern Pacific Ocean
Hurricane Odalys was centered approximately 1,110 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph. The storm posed no immediate threat to populated areas.
Hawaii schools and government offices close ahead of Tropical Storm Nolo
Governor Josh Green's office announced that public schools and state and county offices on the Big Island would close Thursday and Friday due to the approaching tropical storm threat. Maui County offices would also close on Friday. The emergency closures were implemented to allow preparation and ensure public safety ahead of the forecast heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding potential.
El Niño phenomenon increases Pacific tropical cyclone activity
The El Niño weather phenomenon was prompting major environmental shifts globally, fueling drought in some areas and flooding in others. While El Niño typically dampens Atlantic hurricane season activity, it tends to increase tropical cyclone activity in the Pacific by providing moist air and minimal wind shear, contributing to the series of hurricanes threatening Mexico and Hawaii.
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2 alternative perspectives
Hurricane Nolo threatens Hawaii's critical marine conservation zone
Hurricane Nolo threatens Hawaii's marine conservation areas with catastrophic rainfall and storm impacts.
Tropical Storm Rachel tracks parallel to Mexico's Pacific coast
Tropical Storm Rachel tracks parallel to Mexico's Pacific coast with ongoing monitoring of its impacts.
Southwest faces cascading flood crisis as Polo's remnants drench region
Polo's remnants unleash Southwest flooding crisis with dam failure risks and helicopter rescues in national parks.
El Niño conditions drive above-average Pacific hurricane season intensity
El Niño conditions are driving above-average Pacific hurricane intensification during the 2026 season.
Tropical Storm Rachel moves parallel to Mexico's Pacific coast
Tropical Storm Rachel tracks parallel to Mexico's Pacific coast amid ongoing eastern Pacific activity.
Hurricane Nolo brings catastrophic flooding threat to Hawaii's Big Island
Hurricane Nolo brings catastrophic flooding threat to Hawaii with 20-inch rainfall projections.
Polo's Remnants Bring Heavy Rain, Flooding to Southwest
Polo remnants cause heavy rain, flooding in Southwest after Mexico landfall.
Polo makes Category 2 landfall in Mexico with minimal damage reported
Hurricane Polo made Category 2 landfall in Mexico with no serious damage reported.
Pacific hurricane season activity tracking above historical averages
Pacific hurricane season activity exceeds historical averages, fueled by El Niño-driven rapid intensification conditions.
Polo bears down on Baja California with Category 5 intensity
Category 5 Hurricane Polo approaches Baja California with extreme winds and infrastructure challenges.
Hawaii deploys National Guard as Nolo intensifies with dangerous rainfall
Hawaii mobilizes federal and state resources as Hurricane Nolo approaches with severe wind and rainfall threats.