Hurricane Polo has made landfall on Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to coastal towns. Authorities declared a red alert and urged residents to stay indoors as the storm moved ashore.

The storm struck with sustained winds of more than 150 kilometres per hour, knocking down power lines and flooding low-lying streets. Emergency teams were deployed to the hardest-hit areas, and shelters were opened for families forced from their homes.

Flights in and out of regional airports were cancelled, and schools were closed across the peninsula. The national weather service warned of dangerous storm surges and landslides in mountain areas as the hurricane moves inland.

Officials said it was too early to assess the full damage. The government has promised quick aid for affected communities. Polo is expected to weaken as it crosses the peninsula, but heavy rain will continue through the night. The US National Hurricane Center said Polo could dump up to 300 millimetres of rain in some areas before moving out to sea.