Belize's Hurricane History: November's Weather Extremes

Belize, a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, has a hurricane season that lasts from early June to late November. During this period, hurricanes occur frequently, with an average of seven hurricanes per year. While hurricanes often do not make landfall in Belize, turning northward beforehand, they can still cause significant damage, injuries, and deaths. The most recent hurricane to hit Belize was Hurricane Lisa, which made landfall on November 2, 2022, as a Category 1 hurricane.

Hurricane preparedness in Belize

Belize, a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, is no stranger to hurricanes. On average, the nation experiences hurricanes about seven times a year during the official Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. While hurricanes often veer northward before reaching Belize, the nation has still suffered extensive damage, injuries, and loss of life from major hurricanes in the past.

Hurricane History of Belize

Since records began in 1851, only two hurricanes have been of Category 5 strength when hitting or coming close to Belize: Hurricane Janet in 1955 and Hurricane Dean in 2007. In addition, only three Category 4 hurricanes have impacted Belize directly: the 1931 British Honduras hurricane, Hurricane Keith in 2000, and Hurricane Iris in 2001. The most recent tropical cyclone to hit Belize was Hurricane Lisa in November 2022.

Belize is particularly vulnerable to hurricane damage in its cayes and coastal areas, including popular tourist destinations such as San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia on the mainland.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips

• Stay informed: Keep up to date with weather updates during hurricane season via the internet, telephone, or radio. Official sources include the National Hurricane Center Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), and the National Meteorological Office at the Phillip S. W. Goldson International Airport.
• Know the hurricane phases: Understand the difference between a hurricane alert, watch, and warning. During a hurricane alert, residents in the Cayes should leave the islands. During a hurricane watch, the international airport will likely close, and residents of Belize City and coastal regions should move inland to central Belize. A hurricane warning indicates that the hurricane is likely to strike the coast within hours, and anyone remaining in the coastal regions should evacuate to the central highlands.
• Have an evacuation plan: If you live in an area vulnerable to hurricanes, plan your evacuation route and destination in advance. The government of Belize designates specific hurricane shelters for those evacuated from tourist areas.
• Get travel insurance: If you're visiting Belize during hurricane season, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical expenses.
• Create an emergency kit: Prepare a hurricane emergency kit for your home and your emergency residence, if different.
• Enroll with STEP: If you're a U.S. citizen in Belize, consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to facilitate emergency notifications and assistance.

The most destructive hurricanes in Belize

Belize, a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, has experienced several destructive hurricanes throughout its history. Since records began in 1851, only two hurricanes have been classified as Category 5 when hitting or coming close to Belize: Hurricane Janet in 1955 and Hurricane Dean in 2007. In addition, only three Category 4 hurricanes have made a direct impact on the country: the British Honduras hurricane in 1931, Hurricane Keith in 2000, and Hurricane Iris in 2001. Here is a more detailed look at some of the most destructive hurricanes in Belize's history:

Hurricane Janet (1955)

On September 27, 1955, Hurricane Janet struck Belize with sustained winds of up to 175 mph, causing massive flooding in the northern districts. The storm resulted in 16 deaths and left 20,000 people homeless. It led to a rebuilding effort, with new townships established, complete with modern amenities like electricity, water, and sewage systems.

Hurricane Dean (2007)

Hurricane Dean made landfall just north of Belize in August 2007, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges. While the damage was less than expected, the storm significantly impacted the country's crop industry, causing losses of nearly $30 million in papaya and sugar crops. The prime minister at the time, Said Musa, estimated that it would cost $10 million to repair or replace damaged homes.

Hurricane Iris (2001)

Hurricane Iris made landfall in Monkey River Town, Belize, on October 9, 2001, as a small but powerful Category 4 hurricane with winds of 145 mph. The storm caused extensive damage, with 95% of buildings in 35 villages destroyed. The hurricane resulted in 24 deaths and approximately $250 million in damage. It also severely impacted the agricultural sector, with losses of $74.5 million.

Hurricane Keith (2000)

Hurricane Keith, a Category 4 storm, stalled off the shore of Belize in October 2000, causing significant damage. The storm led to 19 deaths and $280 million in damage. It left thousands of people homeless, with extensive destruction on the islands of San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Additionally, the storm caused power and telephone service outages in many areas, including Belize City.

1931 British Honduras Hurricane

On September 10, 1931, a Category 4 hurricane struck Belize City, resulting in approximately 2,500 fatalities. It remains the deadliest hurricane in the country's history.

Hurricane Hattie (1961)

Hurricane Hattie made landfall in Belize on October 31, 1961, causing extensive damage to Belize City. The impact of this hurricane was so significant that it prompted the relocation of the country's capital city from Belize City to the safer location of Belmopan.

Hurricanes in Belize: a timeline

1864

A hurricane hit Belize, the only tropical system to affect any landmass that season.

1892

A hurricane formed east of Trinidad and Tobago on 5 October, eventually making landfall in Belize.

1893

A hurricane formed in the western Caribbean Sea on 4 July, intensifying to 95 mph before hitting Belize on 6 July.

1906

A hurricane formed in the southwestern Caribbean Sea on 8 October, reaching 115 mph before making landfall near Chetumal, Mexico, and Consejo, Belize, on 12 October.

1918

Hurricane Two affected Belize with hurricane-force winds.

1921

Tropical Storm One made landfall near Belize City on 17 June.

1931

On 10 September, a Category 4 hurricane struck Belize City, killing 2,500 people and becoming the deadliest hurricane in the country's history.

1941

The Central America Hurricane of 1941 killed around 30-50 people.

1955

Hurricane Janet, with winds of up to 175 mph, reduced Corozal Town to rubble and produced massive flooding in the northern districts.

1961

Hurricane Hattie made landfall in Belize on 31 October, causing enough damage to Belize City that the capital was moved inland.

2000

Hurricane Keith stalled off the shore of Belize, killing 19 people and causing $280 million in damage.

2001

Hurricane Iris made landfall in Monkey River Town, Belize, on 9 October, with winds of 145 miles per hour.

2007

Hurricane Dean made landfall just north of Belize, bringing strong winds, rain, and storm surges.

2008

Tropical Storm Arthur formed in the Eastern Pacific in May.

2010

Hurricane Richard hit Belize on 24 October, causing power outages across most of the nation.

2011

Tropical Storm Harvey was the only tropical cyclone to make landfall in Belize that year.

2016

Hurricane Earl formed south of Jamaica on 2 August, making landfall in Belize on 4 August.

2017

Hurricane Franklin made landfall in Belize on 8 August.

2020

Hurricanes Eta and Iota caused flooding in Belize in November.

2022

Hurricane Lisa made landfall in Belize on 2 November.

The impact of hurricanes on Belize

Belize, a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, has been impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms throughout its history. Since records began in 1851, only two hurricanes have been classified as Category 5 when they hit or came close to Belize: Hurricane Janet in 1955 and Hurricane Dean in 2007. In addition, only three Category 4 hurricanes have impacted Belize directly: the 1931 British Honduras hurricane, Hurricane Keith in 2000, and Hurricane Iris in 2001. On average, hurricanes occur about seven times a year in Belize, but they don't always make landfall and often turn northward beforehand.

Belize's hurricane season typically lasts from early June to late November. During this period, hurricanes and tropical storms can cause significant damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and the economy. One of the deadliest and most destructive hurricanes in Belize's history was the 1931 Category 4 hurricane that struck Belize City, killing approximately 2,500 people. More recently, in 2000, Hurricane Keith, a Category 4 storm, caused $280 million in damage and claimed 19 lives. In 2001, Hurricane Iris, a small but powerful Category 4 hurricane, resulted in 24 fatalities and $250 million in damage, with 95% of buildings in Placencia being destroyed.

In addition to the human and economic toll, hurricanes in Belize have also led to environmental consequences. The crop industry, for example, has been heavily impacted, with losses in papaya and sugar crops leading to job losses. Furthermore, hurricanes have caused damage to the country's natural attractions, such as the Maya ruins of Belize, affecting the tourism industry.

Belize's location on the eastern Yucatán peninsula makes it particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms. The country experiences a major hurricane strike about once a decade, and the most affected regions are typically Belize and Corozal. While hurricanes don't always make direct landfall, their remnants can still cause gusty winds and heavy rainfall, impacting the lives of Belize's residents and the country's infrastructure.

How to monitor hurricanes in Belize

Belize, a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, has been hit by hurricanes and tropical storms for as long as records go back—since 1851. The country's hurricane season typically lasts from early June to late November. While hurricanes occur frequently in Belize, they don't always make landfall, often turning northward beforehand.

Be Aware of the Hurricane Phases

Know the difference between a hurricane alert, watch, and warning. During the alert stage, all residents in the Cayes are advised to leave the islands. The international airport usually closes during the watch phase when there are sustained 40 mph wind speeds, and residents of Belize City and coastal regions are advised to move inland. During the warning phase, anyone still in the coastal region is advised to move to the central highlands as the hurricane is expected to strike the coast within a matter of hours.

Stay Updated on Weather Alerts

Stay informed about weather updates and alerts during the hurricane season. Official sources for weather updates include the National Hurricane Center Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).

Utilise Various Communication Channels

Monitor the progress of hurricanes through multiple channels, including the internet, telephone, and radio. The National Meteorological Office at the Phillip S. W. Goldson International Airport can be reached by calling (+501) 225-2011. All major radio stations will also provide continuous updates on the hurricane's progress.

Have an Evacuation Plan

If you are in a hurricane-prone area, such as the cayes and coastal regions, have an evacuation plan in place. Identify an alternate residence and be prepared to move to the central highlands if needed. Remember that the government of Belize designates specific hurricane shelters for those evacuated from tourist areas.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

For US citizens travelling to or residing in Belize, consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows US citizens to register their trip with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Enrolling in STEP facilitates efforts to notify and assist US citizens in case of an emergency.

Frequently asked questions