MEXICO CITY — Southwestern Mexico faced a heightened risk of flooding and landslides Wednesday as Hurricane Polo strengthened into an extremely dangerous storm offshore, while a separate tropical system moved toward Hawaii with the potential to deliver catastrophic rainfall. Polo was about 130 miles (209 kilometers) south-southwest of Zihuatanejo late Wednesday and was not expected to make landfall, according to forecasters and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Even so, the National Hurricane Center said the storm could bring 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) of rain to coastal areas through Thursday, with Guerrero state facing the greatest danger from life-threatening flooding and mudslides. The hurricane was producing maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (257 kph). Rain and strong waves had already reached Mexico’s Pacific coast, where the storm threatened rural, mountainous communities as well as small tourist towns and ports. Some residents in the region have long complained that government assistance is inadequate during disasters. Mexico ordered evacuations in some areas and opened shelters. Thousands of military and Red Cross personnel were deployed as a precaution. In Lázaro Cárdenas, in neighboring Michoacán state, restaurant owner Concepción López Villegas worked to reinforce her seaside business against the rain and surf. She said the restaurant represented decades of work and family history. “We’re worried and trying to protect our businesses,” López Villegas said. “And of course, we’re sad because it’s our heritage, our legacy that from one moment to another could be destroyed.” Farther west, Tropical Storm Nolo was centered about 295 miles (475 kilometers) south of South Point on Hawaii Island. Forecasters expected it to become a hurricane by Thursday night and approach the Big Island as early as Friday or Saturday. John Bravender, a warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said southeastern parts of the Big Island could receive 20 to 30 inches (50 to 76 centimeters) of rain through Saturday. That total could produce catastrophic flooding, particularly because the ground has already been wet after months of intermittent rain and recent storms. “Today is really the last dry day you have to get ready,” Bravender said during a Wednesday news conference. He urged residents across the Hawaiian Islands to prepare in case Nolo’s path changes. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda advised residents to assemble emergency kits with food, water and medications, trim vegetation and clear drainage channels. Kauai’s electric cooperative warned of possible prolonged power outages and recommended storing drinking water and nonperishable food. More than 100 Kauai households were still without power after Hurricane Lowell passed west of the island on Sept. 7. Hawaiian Electric said crews would return to areas at risk from the approaching storm. The southeastern Big Island was also recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Lala in August, adding to concerns that additional rain could worsen flooding and landslide hazards. Another Pacific storm, Hurricane Odalys, had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (137 kph) Wednesday while churning about 1,205 miles (1,939 kilometers) west-southwest of the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Forecasters said it could strengthen briefly but was not expected to threaten land.