Belize's Hurricane Risk: Understanding The Zone Of Impact

Belize is located in an area prone to hurricanes, with the hurricane season lasting from June 1 to November 30 each year. Since 1930, there have been 16 hurricanes, eight of which were major hurricanes, that have either made landfall in Belize or passed close enough to cause damage or loss of life. The country has experienced some devastating hurricanes, including the 1931 hurricane that remains the deadliest in Belize's history, killing approximately 2,500 people. Hurricane Hattie in 1961, with winds of up to 200 mph, resulted in the relocation of the capital city from Belize City to the safer location of Belmopan. More recently, in 2001, Hurricane Iris caused major damage, with nearly 95% of buildings in Placencia destroyed and a death toll of 31.

Belize's hurricane history since 1930

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is a Caribbean 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. Since records began in 1851, only two hurricanes have had Category 5 hurricane strength and hit or come close to Belize. These were Hurricane Janet in 1955 and Hurricane Dean in 2007.

1930s

On September 10, 1931, a Category 4 hurricane struck Belize City, killing 2,500 people and making it the deadliest hurricane in the country's history. The hurricane produced maximum sustained winds of 135 mph (215 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 952 mbar.

1940s

In 1941, a hurricane with 120 mph winds devastated the town of Cape Gracias, levelling most buildings and causing minor damage to the islands off the coast of Belize.

1950s

In 1955, Hurricane Janet hit Corozal Town with winds of up to 175 mph, causing massive flooding in the northern districts. There were 16 deaths and 20,000 people left homeless.

1960s

In 1961, Hurricane Hattie made landfall in Belize, causing enough damage to Belize City that the capital was forced to move inland to Belmopan. Hattie was a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 155 mph and gusts of up to 200 mph. It killed more than 400 people and left thousands homeless.

1970s

In 1974, Hurricane Fifi made landfall in Belize as a Category 2 storm, with winds of 85 to 120 mph reported in Belize City. Tides were 10 to 12 feet above normal, and the storm continued through Guatemala and Mexico, dumping up to 24 inches of rain on neighbouring Honduras.

1980s

Hurricane Keith in 1980 lingered just offshore of Belize as a Category 4 storm with 135 mph winds, causing heavy damage to the cayes.

1990s

Hurricane Mitch in 1998 spared Belize its 160 mph winds, but the torrential rains caused extensive damage to crops and roads. Mitch became the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since 1780, with nearly 11,000 people confirmed dead and almost as many reported missing.

2000s

In 2000, Hurricane Keith stalled offshore Belize, killing 19 people and causing $280 million in damage. In 2001, Hurricane Iris made landfall in southern Belize with 145 mph winds, causing major damage to nearly 95% of buildings in Placencia. Thirty-one people were killed, including 20 on a dive boat that capsized.

2010s

In 2010, Hurricane Richard roared into Belize, causing widespread power outages, uprooting trees, and ripping off roofing. Initial damage estimates were $49.2 million, with $34.7 million in losses to agriculture and $14.5 million in damage to homes.

2020s

In 2022, Hurricane Lisa was the most recent tropical cyclone to hit Belize.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

Belize is located in an area that is prone to hurricanes. Since 1930, there have been 16 hurricanes, 8 of which were major hurricanes, that have either made landfall in Belize or passed close enough to cause damage or loss of life.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS) is used to classify hurricanes in the Western Hemisphere. It is a 1-5 rating based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed. The scale was developed in 1971 by civil engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson, who was the director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) at the time. The scale was introduced to the general public in 1973 and saw widespread use after Neil Frank replaced Simpson as the director of the NHC in 1974.

Category 1:

• Winds of 74-95 mph (64-82 kt or 119-153 km/h)
• Very dangerous winds that can cause damage to well-constructed frame homes, shingles, vinyl siding, and gutters
• Large branches of trees may snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled
• Extensive damage to power lines and poles is likely, resulting in power outages that could last from a few days to several weeks

Category 2:

• Winds of 96-110 mph (83-95 kt or 154-177 km/h)
• Extremely dangerous winds that can cause extensive damage to well-constructed frame homes, including major roof and siding damage
• Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking roads
• Near-total power loss is expected, with outages lasting from several days to weeks

Category 3:

• Winds of 111-129 mph (96-112 kt or 178-208 km/h)
• Devastating damage will occur, including major damage to well-built framed homes, possibly removing roof decking and gable ends
• Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads
• Electricity and water will likely be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes

Category 4:

• Winds of 130-156 mph (113-136 kt or 209-251 km/h)
• Catastrophic damage will occur, with well-built framed homes sustaining severe damage and possibly losing most of their roof structure and/or some exterior walls
• Most trees will be snapped or uprooted, power poles will be downed, and residential areas may be isolated
• Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months, and most of the affected area will be uninhabitable for extended periods

Category 5:

• Winds of 157 mph or higher (137 kt or higher or 252 km/h or higher)
• Catastrophic damage will occur, 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 will last for weeks to months
• Most of the area will be uninhabitable for extended periods, and only a few types of structures are capable of surviving intact if located inland

Hurricanes vs tropical storms

Belize is located in an area that is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms. Since 1930, 16 hurricanes have made landfall in Belize or passed close enough to cause damage or loss of life, with eight of these being categorised as major hurricanes. In addition, 17 systems made landfall in Belize as tropical storms.

Hurricanes and tropical storms are both types of tropical cyclones, which are defined as non-frontal low-pressure systems that develop over tropical or subtropical waters. Tropical cyclones are characterised by organised thunderstorm activity and maximum sustained winds of at least 39 mph.

A hurricane is a more intense type of tropical cyclone, with maximum sustained winds of at least 74 mph. Hurricanes can cause significant damage due to strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. They can lead to coastal flooding, inland flooding, tornadoes, and other hazardous conditions. Hurricane warnings are issued 36 hours in advance to allow for preparations and evacuations if necessary.

Tropical storms, while less intense than hurricanes, can still cause significant impacts. Tropical storm warnings are issued when tropical storm conditions, with sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, are expected within 36 hours. These storms can also result in heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding.

Belize's location in the hurricane zone makes it vulnerable to the impacts of both hurricanes and tropical storms. The country has experienced devastating effects from these weather systems, including loss of life, property damage, and economic losses.

Hurricane preparation

Belize is located on the northeastern coast of Central America and is bordered by Mexico to the northwest, Guatemala to the south and west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The country is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms due to its geographical position. Since 1930, 16 hurricanes have made landfall in Belize or passed close enough to cause damage or loss of life, with eight of them being categorised as major hurricanes.

Before Your Trip

• Check your travel insurance to ensure it covers trip cancellations or interruptions due to hurricanes. Consider purchasing additional coverage if necessary.
• Research the areas you plan to visit and identify potential risks. Coastal regions and islands, such as San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia, are more vulnerable to storm surges and flooding.
• Familiarise yourself with evacuation routes and emergency shelters in the event of a hurricane threat.
• Pack a hurricane preparedness kit, including essentials like water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, a portable charger, and copies of important documents.

During Your Stay

• Stay connected to local news and weather updates. Download local news apps or follow local news channels and meteorologists on social media.
• Familiarise yourself with the emergency procedures of your hotel or resort. These procedures are usually available on the hotel's website or can be requested upon check-in.
• If a hurricane warning is issued, follow the instructions of local authorities and hotel staff. They will guide you on the safest course of action, which may involve evacuating to a designated shelter.
• If your travel plans coincide with a hurricane threat, remain calm and do not panic. Follow official instructions and prioritise your safety.

After a Hurricane

• Be patient and understanding as it may take time for services and transportation to return to normal.
• Check with your airline or travel agent regarding any changes to your itinerary.
• Remember that Belize has a well-established infrastructure for dealing with hurricanes, and the local communities are resilient and supportive.

Hurricane tracking

Belize is located in an area prone to hurricanes, and since 1930, the country has experienced 16 hurricanes, eight of which were major hurricanes that made landfall or passed close enough to cause damage or loss of life. The country's position in the Caribbean Sea makes it susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season, which typically runs from June to November.

• Satellite Imagery and Data: Hurricane tracking relies heavily on satellite technology. Satellites provide valuable data and imagery that allow meteorologists to monitor storm development and movement. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) system, which includes advanced satellites that capture detailed images and provide critical data on hurricanes.
• Radar and Reconnaissance: Weather radars, such as Doppler radar, play a crucial role in tracking hurricanes. These radars send out radio waves that bounce off precipitation particles, providing information about a hurricane's structure, intensity, and motion. Additionally, aircraft reconnaissance missions are flown into and around hurricanes to collect vital data, including wind speed, pressure, and humidity.
• Weather Models and Computer Simulations: Meteorologists use sophisticated computer models and simulations to analyse data from satellites and radar systems. These models incorporate various atmospheric factors, such as temperature, pressure, and wind patterns, to predict a hurricane's path and intensity. By inputting data into these models, forecasters can make more accurate predictions about a hurricane's behaviour.
• National Hurricane Center (NHC) Advisories: The NHC is a specialised centre within the NOAA that issues hurricane watches, warnings, and advisories. It provides regular updates on the location, intensity, and expected track of hurricanes, helping communities and emergency management agencies prepare for potential impacts.
• Tracking Maps and Visualisations: Hurricane tracking information is often presented through maps and visualisations, making it easier for the public and officials to understand a storm's trajectory. These maps show the current location, predicted path, and estimated intensity of the hurricane, helping people make informed decisions about evacuation, sheltering, and other preparedness measures.
• Communication and Alerts: Effective communication is vital in hurricane tracking. Weather services utilise various channels, including websites, mobile apps, social media, and emergency alert systems, to disseminate tracking information and warnings to the public. Timely and accurate alerts can help save lives and minimise property damage.
• International Collaboration: Hurricane tracking is a collaborative effort involving multiple countries and organisations. Regional specialised meteorological centres, such as the NHC, work closely with national meteorological services and other international partners to share data and improve forecasting capabilities.

Frequently asked questions