We're on a roll as the good news continues. Polo actually LOST wind velocity, and is now clocking 70 MPH (112 KPH) sustained winds). That is just under the threshold for hurricane status, and it's being called a tropical storm again.
I understand this small difference doesn't sound like much, but Polo's current location is traditionally where storms continuously elevate their wind speed...just as Norbert and Odile did. In addition the track is slowly moving into that Westerly swing we're all praying for.
It's too early to call the drop in wind velocity a trend, however elevating to a hurricane and then right back to tropical storm in the same day is unusual. At the least it seems to be an indication we're dealing with a much weaker system, and helps to sooth frayed nerves for those hammered by Odlie.
By late afternoon Polo should pass Cabo Corrientes, the huge land mass which juts way out into the Pacific and largely protects) Puerto Vallarta. That's a critical point in time, as a turn to the West there (which is being called for) will put the storm well out into open water and confirm the unlikelihood of ever making landfall.
