People living on the northern Pacific coast of Mexico are bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Polo, which is forecast to make landfall later on Monday or early on Tuesday.

The category three storm, with maximum sustained winds near 115 mph (185 km/h), is expected to move over the state Baja California Sur, a region popular with tourists and home to the resort destination of Los Cabos.

Meteorologists at the US-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) have warned of heavy rainfall which could lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.

Residents on Sunday stocked up on essentials such as drinking water and food as the storm approached.

The NHC warned of the storm surge Hurricane Polo could unleash, which it said could be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

In Cabo San Lucas, famous for its natural rock arch, the authorities restricted access to the beaches. Some restaurants also closed in the town, which acts as a base for sport fishers and whale watchers.

The regional government of Baja California Sur has ordered schools to remain closed on Monday as a preventive measure.

Governor Víctor Manuel Castro Cosío said temporary shelters had been opened should residents need to be evacuated.

The federal authorities have also deployed thousands of members of the navy and the army along with specialised machinery.

Polo has been slowly moving towards Mexico's coast line.

Meteorologists said it was being fuelled by extremely warm waters caused by the El Niño climate phenomenon.