Belize Hurricane Watch: Is A Storm Heading Your Way?

Belize, a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, has a history of hurricanes and tropical storms, with an average of seven hurricanes occurring yearly. While hurricanes frequently occur in the country, they often do not make landfall, instead turning northward beforehand. However, when hurricanes do make landfall, they can cause significant damage, with some storms resulting in loss of life and substantial destruction. Belize's hurricane season typically lasts from early June to late November, and the country has experienced notable hurricanes such as Hurricane Lisa in 2022 and more recently, Hurricane Beryl in 2024. With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting an above-normal hurricane season for 2024, it is important for Belizeans to stay vigilant and prepared for potential impacts.

Hurricane Beryl's threat to Belize in 2024

Hurricane Beryl was the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Beryl formed in the deep tropical Atlantic’s Main Development Region on June 28, 2024, and was steered westward by a large mid-to-upper-level ridge of high pressure across the Central and Western North Atlantic Ocean. The hurricane made landfall on the island of Carriacou in Grenada as a high-end Category 4 on July 1, and later strengthened to a Category 5 in the Eastern Caribbean Sea.

Although Hurricane Beryl did not make a direct landfall in Belize, the country was still impacted by the storm. As Beryl passed south of Jamaica, it continued to weaken before making a second landfall on the Yucatán Peninsula as a high-end Category 2 hurricane on July 5. The system then moved across the Yucatán Peninsula, producing moderate to heavy rainfall in northern Belize from July 4 through the weekend. Rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches were recorded, causing flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Gusty winds of tropical storm force were also possible in the far north of Belize as the system made landfall.

In preparation for the storm, the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) of Belize was fully activated, and the Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) in the northern districts were also activated. A Tropical Storm Watch was put in place from Belize City to Corozal, including the islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Residents were requested to exercise extreme caution, and preliminary estimates suggested that over 200,000 people in the northern districts were potentially impacted by Beryl.

The threat of Hurricane Beryl came shortly after Belize had been affected by extensive wildfires, causing loss of homes and livelihoods, as well as damage to natural reserves. The country is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, with a history of devastating storms such as Hurricane Hattie in 1961 and Hurricane Mitch in 1998, both of which resulted in significant loss of life and property damage.

Hurricane preparedness in Belize

Belize is no stranger to hurricanes, with the hurricane season lasting from early June to late November. On average, hurricanes occur about seven times a year, although they often do not make landfall in Belize, turning northward beforehand. However, when hurricanes do strike Belize, they can cause extensive damage, serious injuries, and even fatalities. Therefore, it is crucial for residents and visitors to be prepared and informed about hurricane preparedness measures.

The United States Embassy in Belize outlines three hurricane phases that individuals should be aware of: Hurricane Alert, Hurricane Watch, and Hurricane Warning. During the Hurricane Alert phase, all residents in the Cayes are advised to evacuate the islands. The Hurricane Watch phase is characterised by sustained winds of 40 mph, leading to the closure of the international airport. Residents of Belize City and coastal regions are recommended to relocate to central Belize during this phase. The final phase, Hurricane Warning, indicates that a hurricane or storm is likely to hit the coast of Belize within a matter of hours. Anyone remaining in the coastal region at this stage is strongly advised to move to the central highlands.

To effectively monitor the progress of a hurricane, individuals in Belize should stay updated through various communication channels. The National Hurricane Center Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration, as well as the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), provide continuous updates via the internet. For telephone updates, individuals can call (011) 501-225-2011, the National Meteorological Office at the Phillip S. W. Goldson International Airport. All major radio stations will also provide ongoing updates on the hurricane's progress.

It is crucial to have an evacuation plan in place and to identify an alternate residence in the event of a hurricane. The government of Belize designates specific hurricane shelters for those evacuated from tourist areas. Additionally, individuals should ensure they have a hurricane emergency kit ready in their homes and at their emergency residence. Obtaining travel insurance that covers both medical and emergency evacuation expenses is also recommended.

In the aftermath of a hurricane, organisations like the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Emergency Technical Team (UNETT) play a crucial role in providing support and assistance to those affected.

The Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. The country experiences hurricanes frequently, with an average of seven occurrences per year. However, hurricanes often veer northward before making landfall in Belize, causing gusts of wind and rain. The hurricane season in Belize typically lasts from early June to late November.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating system that assesses the maximum sustained wind speed of a hurricane. This scale aids in estimating potential property damage and determining wind hazards during an approaching hurricane. While the scale primarily focuses on wind speed, it is essential to note that hurricanes can also cause other life-threatening hazards, such as storm surges, rainfall flooding, and tornadoes.

Category 1 (Winds: 74-95 mph): Very dangerous winds can cause damage to well-constructed frame homes, including the roof, shingles, vinyl siding, and gutters. Large branches of trees may snap, and shallowly rooted trees may topple. Extensive damage to power lines and poles can lead to power outages lasting a few to several days.

Category 2 (Winds: 96-110 mph): Extremely dangerous winds can cause extensive damage to well-constructed frame homes, including major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will snap or be uprooted, blocking roads. Near-total power loss is expected, with outages lasting from several days to weeks.

Category 3 (Winds: 111-129 mph): Devastating damage will occur, including major damage to well-built framed homes, potentially removing roof decking and gable ends. Numerous trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking roads. Electricity and water supply may be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm.

Category 4 (Winds: 130-156 mph): Catastrophic damage will occur, with well-built framed homes sustaining severe damage and potentially losing most of their roof structure and some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted, and power poles will be downed, leading to power outages that could last for weeks or even months. The affected areas will likely be uninhabitable for extended periods.

Category 5 (Winds: 157 mph or higher): Catastrophic damage will be widespread, with a high percentage of framed homes being destroyed, experiencing total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas, and power outages may persist for weeks or months. Most of the affected region will be uninhabitable for extended periods.

Hurricanes of Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes due to their potential for significant loss of life and extensive damage. However, even Category 1 and 2 storms can be dangerous and require precautionary measures to be taken.

The deadliest hurricanes in Belize's history

Belize, a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, has been struck by several hurricanes since records began in 1851. Here is a list of the deadliest hurricanes in its history:

Hurricane Hattie (1961)

Hurricane Hattie was a devastating Category 5 hurricane that caused deaths and massive damage. It was one of the deadliest hurricanes formed during the 1961 Atlantic hurricane season. Hattie brought strong winds and a storm surge that destroyed over 70% of the buildings in Belize City. The storm caused approximately 307 deaths in Belize and left thousands homeless. The devastation prompted the Belizean government to relocate the country's capital inland to higher ground, leading to the establishment of the new city of Belmopan.

British Honduras Hurricane (1931)

The British Honduras Hurricane, also known as Storm Five, was the deadliest hurricane in Belize's history, claiming an estimated 2,500 lives. It was a Category 4 hurricane that struck Belize City on September 10, with winds of up to 135 mph. The storm surge and strong winds damaged an estimated 70% of all buildings in Belize City and severely impacted the agriculture sector.

Hurricane Iris (2001)

Hurricane Iris was a small but powerful Category 4 hurricane that made landfall in Monkey River Town, Belize, on October 9, 2001, with winds of 145 miles per hour. Iris caused significant damage to the Toledo and Stann Creek Districts, destroying over 80% of homes and infrastructure in these poor regions. Authorities attributed 28 deaths to the hurricane, with 11 bodies recovered and nine others presumed dead.

Hurricane Keith (2000)

Hurricane Keith was the first hurricane of the new millennium to strike Belize. It made landfall as a strong Category 4 hurricane, causing widespread destruction. Keith destroyed homes and severely impacted essential services such as the electricity grid and telephone systems. The storm resulted in 19 deaths and an estimated $280 million in damage.

Hurricane Dean (2007)

Hurricane Dean was a Category 5 hurricane that made landfall just north of Belize. While the impact on Belize was less than expected, the storm still caused significant damage, particularly to the crop industry. The loss of papaya crops resulted in nearly 1,000 people losing their jobs.

The most recent hurricanes in Belize

Belize is a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. The country is bordered by Mexico to the northwest, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the south and west. The hurricane season in Belize usually lasts from early June to late November. On average, hurricanes occur about seven times a year in Belize, but they often do not make landfall, turning northward beforehand.

Hurricane Beryl (2024)

Hurricane Beryl did not make direct landfall in Belize. On July 5, 2024, it came closest to the country, reaching a distance of about 109 km north of Corozal.

Hurricane Chris (2024)

Hurricane Chris affected the regions of Belize, Orange Walk, and Cayo in Belize.

Hurricane Alberto (2024)

Hurricane Alberto impacted the regions of Orange Walk and Cayo in Belize.

Hurricane Idalia (2023)

Hurricane Idalia was the most severe hurricane to make landfall in Belize in the past 12 months. It reached wind speeds of up to 102 km/h near San Pedro on August 28, 2023, and was 204 kilometers in diameter.

Hurricane Lisa (2022)

On November 2, 2022, Hurricane Lisa made landfall in Belize, causing extensive damage to the Belize district and significant damage to the Cayo District. Lisa was the most recent tropical cyclone to hit Belize.

Hurricane Julia (2022)

Hurricane Julia did not make direct landfall in Belize. On October 10, 2022, it came closest to the country, reaching a distance of about 236-257 km southeast of Punta Gorda in Toledo.

Hurricane Ian (2022)

Hurricane Ian did not make direct landfall in Belize. On September 26, 2022, it came closest to the country, reaching a distance of about 403-523 km west of San Pedro.

Hurricane Alex (2022)

Hurricane Alex affected the region of Corozal in Belize.

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