Travel Tips for Hurricane Season: Hurricane Quick Facts
In addition to being popular tourist destinations due to their pleasant weather and peaceful beaches, the Caribbean Islands and other tropical locations are also known for being popular storm places in the summer and fall.
Find out where to stay at a beach that is less likely to experience hurricanes. Learn about the language used to identify storms as well as the science behind them. Additionally, take into account these hurricane season travel recommendations to be sure you’re equipped to handle any weather-related emergencies.
Hurricane Quick Facts
- The Taino Native American term hurucane, which means “evil spirit of the wind,” is where the name hurricane originates.
- Typhoons are the conventional name for hurricanes in the Pacific Ocean. (In the Indian Ocean, they are frequently called tropical cyclones.)
- In the midst of World War II, in 1943, someone took off into a cyclone for the first time.
- There has been a hurricane on Jupiter for more than 300 years. It may be thought of as the planet’s red spot.
- The Atlantic Basin, which is the storm zone most frequently visited, experiences 12 hurricanes on average annually.
- The World Meteorological Organization maintains a list of alternating names for storms.
Where Do Hurricanes Usually Happen?
Hurricanes often form over tropical ocean waters in regions with a warm, humid environment. One of three places is where they first appear:
- The Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean make up the Atlantic Basin.
- The Pacific Ocean’s Eastern Region
- (LESS OFTEN) The Central Pacific Ocean
Seasons of Hurricanes
Hurricanes may occur at any time of the year, although they are most frequent during hurricane season.
- Season for Atlantic Hurricanes: June 1 to November 30
- Hurricane Season in the Eastern Pacific: May 15–November 30
- Hurricane Season in the Central Pacific: June 1 to November 30
When visiting tropical locations between August and October, be especially cautious as this is when hurricane season usually peaks.
The Hurricane Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a tool used by the National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center to measure hurricanes. Based on the sustained wind speed of a hurricane, this rating ranges from 1 to 5 to indicate the possible amount of property damage.
When deciding how to react to a storm, take the rating system into account.
- Category 1 winds, which may reach speeds of up to 95 mph, are extremely dangerous and may cause some damage.
- Category 2 (constant winds of 96–110 mph): These extremely severe winds will do significant damage.
- Category 3: Severe winds (111–129 mph) will cause catastrophic damage.
- Category 4: Severe winds between 130 and 156 mph will cause catastrophic damage.
- Category 5: Catastrophic damage is expected due to sustained winds of 157 mph or higher.
How Might a Hurricane Affect My Trip?
Hurricanes may frequently affect travel plans, much as other natural disasters and extreme weather.
Hurricane-Related Major Risks
Travelers who are staying in locations where hurricanes are predicted to make landfall may be at danger from hurricanes. Hurricanes may cause severe weather, including storm surges, tornadoes, rip currents, strong winds, inland floods, and heavy rainfall.
Hurricanes greatly increase the likelihood of power outages and disruptions to other services due to powerful winds that destroy power lines and injure houses and structures.
Hurricane-Related Inconveniences
When it is anticipated that a storm may affect a place, flights and cruises are frequently delayed or canceled.
An influx of individuals fleeing a region that is at danger of storm might cause delays in public transit and other commuter travel before the storm. Moreover, during the storm, there may be delays, closures, or damage to transportation.
In anticipation of bad weather, lodging facilities, eateries, and tourist destinations can close. Extended closures may occur if damage is done to these attractions.
The Greatest Beach Vacation Spots During Hurricane Season
Not all coastal locations are destined to be hit by storms. These locations are less likely to be affected by hurricanes, so anyone looking to visit the sunny tropics during hurricane season might want to give them some thought.
The three “ABC” Islands are Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba
The westernmost islands of the Caribbean’s Leeward Antilles are Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Known as the ABC Islands, since there is only around one hurricane every 30 years, they are regarded as safer Caribbean getaways during hurricane season.
Aruba
Aruba was last affected by Hurricane Felix in 2007. Only modest damage was produced by this Level 2 hurricane, such as a few uprooted palm trees, some beach erosion, and other things you could have expected from a strong downpour. The municipal government of Aruba has also done a fantastic job of alerting residents and tourists to potential storm hazards.
Bonaire
It is also rare for Bonaire to be directly impacted by a storm. Hurricane Felix only caused little damage to it as well. Local personnel at the marine park discovered that the coral reefs had sustained the worst damage. Bonaire takes great pleasure in protecting and preserving its natural environment.
Even while the island is rarely directly affected by hurricanes, it goes to great lengths to shield its delicate fauna from even the mildest of storms.
Curaçao
Curaçao was not directly affected by a storm until 1877. Other hurricanes in the area have only resulted in floods. Hurricanes are rare because of the island’s tendency to grow warmer and have less wind throughout hurricane season.
Aruba and Bonaire have a more typical island vibe, whereas Curaçao provides a more metropolitan landscape. Miles of sandy beaches with lodging options, dining options, and resorts can be found on all three islands.
Panama
Panama is a tropical nation situated south of the hurricane zone with extensive coastlines on the Pacific and Caribbean seas.
The summer and fall are regarded as the wet season, even if there aren’t many storms in the nation. This indicates that, like in many tropical locations, midday showers of precipitation are common.
There is no known history of hurricanes in Panama. Hurricane Martha, which became a tropical storm in 1969 after weakening from a category 1 hurricane, was the storm that was closest to a hurricane. The nation sustained no major damage from the storm. It is still Panama’s closest call ever.
Hawaii
Despite Hawaii’s location in the center of the Pacific, where several storms frequently make landfall each year, the country is rarely affected by them. Few storms have ever struck the Hawaiian Islands directly; the majority usually weaken before making landfall.
Hawaii’s year-round nice weather draws tourists from throughout the country and beyond. Although the island has lately seen an influx of upscale lodging, there are still plenty of reasonably priced alternatives available for those who don’t want to go over their budget.
Mexico
Hurricanes frequently hit the Yucatan Peninsula and other Mexican areas on the Gulf of Mexico, although the west coast is thought to be mostly safe. Because the west coast of Mexico has colder water, hurricanes are less likely to affect it. (It is nearly a given that hurricanes occur over water that is warmer than 80°F.)
Mexico’s western coast is home to a number of well-liked beach resorts, such as Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Acupulco, Huatulco, and Iztapa.
Travel Advice during the Hurricane Season
During hurricane season, anyone who travel through or near the tropics should exercise particular caution to guarantee their safety. When making travel plans, keep these suggestions in mind.
- Avoid Locations Often Hit by Hurricanes: During hurricane season, avoiding locations frequently hit by hurricanes is the best method to be safe from storms. Think of locations that don’t often experience storms, such as the southern Caribbean’s ABC Islands.
- Pack a Thoughtful Carry-On – When visiting a region that is frequently hit by storms, carefully consider what you include in your carry-on.
- It can be a good idea to make sure you have everything you need in case the weather causes the airline to cancel flights, causing your checked bags to be delayed or misplaced.
- Pack Emergency Supplies: To be ready for any crises that may arise at your location, pack a first aid kit, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, and cash in the local currency.
- Invest in Travel Insurance: Before departing for a location that is prone to storms, think about acquiring trip cancellation insurance. Remember that if you buy an insurance policy after a storm has already been declared, many of them will not cover cancelation.
- Investigate Evacuation protocols: Find out from the management of your lodging about the safety precautions used during bad weather, including evacuation protocols.
- Regularly check the weather reports. Keep yourself updated about local weather conditions and forecasts so that you can make better selections.
- Check in as Often as You Can with Loved Ones – If a storm is predicted to hit your location, make sure your loved ones are comfortable by checking in frequently. Additionally alert them of the possibility of communication delays due to hurricane-damaged phone and power cables.
How to Remain Up to Date
Having the most recent information can help you make the wisest choices possible when traveling. For precise and up-to-date information about storms and how they can impact your journey, take into consideration these three sources.
- The FEMA app offers a variety of features, including locations of open recovery and emergency centers, as well as real-time notifications from the National Weather Service.
- Citizens in the United States may sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get accurate and pertinent information on local safety conditions. (It’s also a simple method for the American Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of emergency.)
- applications for airlines: Passengers may download applications from the majority of major airlines to get real-time updates on cancellations and delays on their flights.
Features to Consider When Purchasing Travel Insurance
Those who wish to safeguard their vacation expenditure have to think about getting a travel insurance coverage. In the event of unanticipated weather catastrophes, such as a hurricane, a travel insurance coverage can offer cash compensation for a trip that is canceled and travel help.
Check your travel insurance package for these benefits:
- Trip Cancellation — This benefit can compensate you if you are unable to proceed with your trip for a covered unanticipated reason, such as illness or accident, or if your airline cancels because of bad weather at your destination.
- vacation Interruption: Should a covered circumstance force you to shorten your vacation and return home, such as an unexpected death in the family or a medical emergency, this benefit may pay you.
- Baggage Damage or Loss: If your luggage is lost, stolen, or destroyed during your trip, you may be eligible for payment under this benefit.
- Medical Evacuation & Repatriation of Remains: This benefit may pay for your transportation to the closest suitable medical institution in order to get essential medical care. In the sad event that you die away, this benefit may also pay for your return home expenses.
- Emergency Accident and Sickness Medical Expense: Should you become ill or have a covered injury while traveling, this benefit may pay for your unplanned medical bills.
Get Ready for Anything Unpredictable
Hurricanes are erratic and hazardous at times. They have the ability to stray and pose a major risk to anyone who believed they were safe.
When visiting a tropical location, be ready for anything unexpected and aware of any weather concerns so you can make the best choices for you and your fellow travelers.