Belize's Hurricane Haven: Nature's Safe Harbor

Belize is not in imminent danger from hurricanes, but it does experience them. The country is hit by at least seven hurricanes every year, but most are weak and don't cause damage. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and during this time, tropical storms and hurricanes often threaten to hit Belize. Belize is south of the hurricane belt, and hurricanes often turn northward before making landfall. However, the country is still vulnerable to the remnants of these storms, which can cause gusts of wind and rain. The most affected regions are Belize and Corozal.

In the past, major hurricanes have caused extensive damage, serious injuries, and deaths in Belize. The cayes and coastal areas, including popular destinations such as San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia, are the most sensitive to hurricane damage. Residents and visitors to these areas are advised to leave at the hurricane alert stage.

Belize hurricane season

Belize is officially in the Atlantic hurricane season from June 1 to November 30 each year. During this period, tropical storms and hurricanes often threaten to hit Belize, and in the past, major hurricanes have caused extensive damage, serious injuries, and deaths.

Belize is hit by at least seven hurricanes every year, but most of them are very weak and don't cause damage. The country is not in imminent danger from natural disasters, but hurricanes and powerful storms pose a significant risk. Statistically, only about one hurricane hits Belize every five years, and almost all of them have been in September or October.

The areas in Belize most sensitive to hurricane damage are the cayes and coastal areas, including popular destinations such as San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia on the mainland. The Belize Police Department advises residents in these areas to leave at the hurricane alert stage, before land, air, and sea transportation are seriously affected. The Belize government designates hurricane shelters specifically for those being evacuated from tourist areas.

To prepare for a hurricane, residents and visitors should stay up to date with local news and official updates from sources such as the National Hurricane Center, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), and local radio stations. The National Meteorological Office at the Phillip S. W. Goldson International Airport can be contacted at (011) 501-225-2011.

It is also important to be aware of the three hurricane phases:

• Hurricane Alert: Residents in the Cayes are advised to leave the islands.
• Hurricane Watch: The international airport will close when there is a sustained wind speed of 40 mph, and residents of Belize City and coastal regions are advised to move to central Belize.
• Hurricane Warning: The hurricane or storm is likely to strike the coast of Belize within a matter of hours, and anyone in the coastal region is advised to move to the central highlands.

Hurricane warnings and alerts

Belize is susceptible to hurricanes, with the hurricane season running from June 1 to November 30 each year. However, the country has seen significant changes in weather patterns over the past decade, with hurricanes moving further north, making Belize fall south of the hurricane belt. In the past 100 years, Belize has only experienced eight hurricanes that caused any notable damage.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues tropical cyclone advisory products at least every six hours (at 5 am, 11 am, 5 pm, and 11 pm EDT) when a tropical cyclone or a subtropical storm has formed in the Atlantic or eastern North Pacific. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) provides similar updates for the central North Pacific. When coastal tropical storm or hurricane watches or warnings are in effect, the NHC and CPHC issue Tropical Cyclone Public advisories every three hours.

• Hurricane Alert: All residents in the Cayes are advised to leave the islands and head to the central highlands at this stage. The international airport typically closes during the Hurricane Alert phase due to sustained wind speeds of 40 mph.
• Hurricane Watch: Issued 48 hours in advance when hurricane conditions are possible. The NHC issues a hurricane watch to allow time for preparations.
• Hurricane Warning: Issued 36 hours in advance when hurricane conditions are expected. All preparations should be completed, and residents should evacuate if ordered.
• Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.
• Extreme Wind Warning: Extreme sustained winds of 115 mph or more are expected to begin within an hour. Take shelter immediately in a well-built structure's interior portion.

It is important to monitor official channels for updates and follow the instructions of local officials. Information on hurricane watches, warnings, and advisories can be accessed through various platforms, including TV, radio, cell phones, and the internet. Websites such as www.hurricanes.gov, www.weather.gov/cphc, and www.weather.gov provide detailed tropical cyclone advisories and forecasts. Additionally, local Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) offer storm information and forecasts specific to your area.

Hurricane damage and safety precautions

Belize is prone to hurricanes, with the hurricane season lasting from June to November. On average, the country experiences about seven hurricanes a year, although most of them are weak and do not cause significant damage. However, major hurricanes have caused extensive damage, serious injuries, and deaths in the past. The most vulnerable areas in Belize are the cayes and coastal regions, including popular tourist destinations such as San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia.

To minimise the risk of hurricane damage and ensure safety, it is crucial to follow official safety precautions and stay informed through various communication channels. Here are some essential safety measures to consider:

• Evacuation recommendations: During the hurricane alert phase, all residents and visitors in the cayes are advised to leave the islands. When sustained wind speeds reach 40 mph during the hurricane watch phase, the international airport will close, and residents of Belize City and coastal areas should move to central Belize. If a hurricane is expected to strike the coast within hours (hurricane warning phase), individuals in the coastal areas should evacuate to the central highlands.
• Stay informed: It is essential to monitor weather updates and be aware of the three hurricane phases. Official sources such as the National Hurricane Center, The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), and the National Meteorological Office provide continuous updates on hurricane progress. Local radio stations and the internet are valuable sources of information.
• Communication and planning: Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) facilitates notifications in case of an emergency. It is also advisable to have an alternate residence and evacuation plan and to prepare a hurricane emergency kit for your home and emergency residence.
• Travel insurance: Obtaining travel insurance that covers both medical and emergency evacuation expenses is highly recommended.
• Shelters: The government of Belize designates specific hurricane shelters for individuals evacuated from tourist areas.

By following these safety precautions and staying vigilant during the hurricane season, residents and visitors can effectively minimise the potential impact of hurricanes and prioritise their safety.

Hurricane shelters

Belize is not entirely safe from hurricanes, and the country is susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes from June 1 to November 30 each year. In the past, major hurricanes have caused extensive damage, serious injuries, and deaths. However, hurricanes have been moving further north, and Belize now falls south of the hurricane belt. In the past 100 years, Belize has only experienced eight hurricanes that caused any notable damage.

The areas in Belize most vulnerable to hurricane damage are the cayes and coastal areas, including popular destinations such as San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia on the mainland. In the event of an incoming hurricane, residents and visitors to these areas are advised to leave at the hurricane alert stage and evacuate to central Belize or the central highlands.

The Belize government designates hurricane shelters specifically for those evacuated from tourist areas. These shelters are typically schools or churches, and they provide basic necessities such as food, water, and sanitation facilities. Here is some crucial information about hurricane shelters in Belize:

Locations and Evacuation:

Supplies and Provisions:

Shelters in Belize provide basic necessities, but it is recommended that individuals and families bring their own disaster supply kits to ensure they have enough essential items. These kits should include enough water (at least 1 gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food for 3 to 7 days. Other recommended items include a non-electric can opener, cooking tools, paper plates and plastic utensils, cash and credit cards, a first aid kit, important documents in waterproof containers, personal sanitation items, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for updates.

Pet Considerations:

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in public shelters in Belize. Pet owners are responsible for their pets' disaster planning and should make the required provisions if they plan to evacuate to a public shelter. This includes having a pet survival kit with items such as proper identification, immunisation records, medications, food, water, and a carrier or cage. After the storm, pet owners should be cautious when allowing their pets outdoors, as familiar surroundings may have changed, and contaminated food or water may pose risks.

Phases and Alerts:

It is crucial to understand the different hurricane phases and alerts to know when to evacuate and seek shelter. The hurricane alert phase advises all residents in the Cayes to leave the islands. During the hurricane watch phase, the international airport typically closes, and residents of Belize City and coastal regions are advised to move inland or to central Belize. The hurricane warning phase indicates that a hurricane or storm is likely to strike the coast within hours, and anyone remaining in the coastal regions should move to the central highlands.

Communication and Updates:

Staying informed is vital. The National Hurricane Center Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration, as well as the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), provide continuous updates via the internet. Additionally, the National Meteorological Office at the Phillip S. W. Goldson International Airport can be contacted by telephone, and all major radio stations will broadcast hurricane progress updates.

Hurricane statistics

Belize is officially in the Atlantic hurricane zone, with the season lasting from June 1 to November 30 each year. During this period, tropical storms and hurricanes often threaten to hit Belize, and residents and visitors are advised to monitor weather updates and alerts.

On average, Belize is hit by seven hurricanes every year, although most are weak and don't cause significant damage. However, major hurricanes have caused extensive damage, serious injuries, and deaths in the past. The most vulnerable areas are the cayes and coastal regions, including popular tourist destinations such as San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia.

In 2024, Hurricane Beryl was the most severe hurricane to make landfall in Belize, reaching wind speeds of up to 176 km/h near Corozal. It was classified as a Category 2 hurricane, with speeds on the open sea reaching up to 185 km/h (Category 3).

In recent years, other notable hurricanes that have impacted Belize include:

• Chris (June 24 to July 1, 2024)
• Alberto (June 16-20, 2024)
• Idalia (August 24 to September 2, 2023)
• Lisa (October 30 to November 5, 2022)
• Ian (September 22 to October 1, 2022)
• Zeta (October 24-30, 2020)

In the past 100 years, Belize has experienced eight hurricanes that caused notable damage. Of these, only Hurricane Hattie in 1961 caused extensive damage to the Hopkins area. There has been a shift in hurricane patterns over the past decade, with hurricanes moving further north, reducing the direct impact on Belize.

To prepare for potential hurricanes, the US Embassy in Belize recommends that residents and visitors familiarise themselves with the three hurricane phases and corresponding actions:

• Hurricane Alert: Residents in the Cayes are advised to leave the islands.
• Hurricane Watch: The international airport will likely close, and residents of Belize City and coastal regions should move to central Belize.
• Hurricane Warning: Anyone remaining in the coastal regions should move to the central highlands, as the hurricane is expected to strike the coast within a matter of hours.

Frequently asked questions