Hurricane Polo Rain Could Hit Texas Roads Next Week

What happened

Hurricane Polo rain could reach Texas next week. Polo is a very strong hurricane in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Mexico.

At 2 a.m. Mountain time on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Polo was a Category 5 storm. It had top winds of 165 mph. It sat about 395 miles southwest of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico, moving west-northwest at 9 mph. The NHC expects it to turn north on Sunday and get near Baja California Sur on Monday. A Hurricane Watch is up for part of that coast. The NHC expects 4 to 10 inches of rain in parts of Baja California Sur.

The storm will weaken over land. But its moisture is expected to move north. The National Weather Service (NWS) office in El Paso said Friday evening that deep tropical moisture from what is left of Polo starts streaming in Monday and Tuesday. It said moisture in the air could hit about 220% of normal, likely record highs. It warned of another round of high flood potential.

The NWS said computer models do not agree yet on the exact track. One model takes the leftovers of Polo across West Texas. Another takes them farther west, over south-central New Mexico. The NWS said both paths could bring dangerous impacts.

FOX 4 in Dallas-Fort Worth reported a cold front reaches Texas on Tuesday. That front will pull Polo's moisture north. Heavy to very heavy rain is expected in Texas next week, with a chance of flash flooding. More than 80% of Texas is in drought. Dry, hard ground can make water run off fast.

What it means for owner-operators

This is a forecast, not a done deal. But the timing matters if you run I-10, I-20 or the roads of West Texas and New Mexico early next week.

Flash floods happen fast. A low water crossing can go from dry to deadly in minutes. A truck stuck in water can mean a damaged engine, a wet load and days without work.

Delays also cost money. A load that sits because a road is closed can mean late fees and angry customers.

What to do next

• Check the NWS forecast for your route Sunday night and every morning next week.
• Never drive into a flooded road. Turn around. If you cannot see the pavement, you cannot know how deep it is.
• Plan fuel, food and safe parking in case a road closes behind you or in front of you.
• Talk with your broker or shipper early if a delivery could run late.
• Take photos of your truck and cargo before a trip in bad weather. They help if you ever need to file a claim.
• Know what your policy covers for water damage to your truck and cargo. Our guide to trucking insurance coverage explained shows the main types in plain words.

Questions about your coverage before the rain comes? Call TCZ Insurance Agency at 956-526-6727.