Belize Braces For Impact: Tropical Storm Warnings In Effect

Belize is vulnerable to hurricanes, storms, flooding, wind damage, and storm surges, especially in Belize City. The country's low-lying terrain makes flooding and sea level rise more severe. Hurricanes occur frequently in Belize, with an average of seven per year. Hurricane Beryl, which hit Belize in 2024, was the most severe hurricane to make landfall in the country in the past 12 months. On July 5, 2024, Beryl reached wind speeds of up to 176 km/h near Corozal.

Belize is currently facing the threat of Tropical Storm Nana, which is expected to make landfall between midnight and 6 am on Thursday over southern Belize as a Category 1 hurricane. Residents, especially those south of Belize City, should prepare for hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, and possible landslides.

Belize's hurricane history

Belize has a long history of hurricanes, with records of tropical storms affecting the country dating back to the 1800s. 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.

In 1931, two tropical systems reached hurricane status. Storm Five became a major Category 4 hurricane with 135 mph winds, making landfall at Belize City and killing approximately 2,500 people. It remains the deadliest hurricane and natural disaster in Belize's history. The other storm, Storm Six, made landfall in Mexico but also impacted Belize.

In 1941, a hurricane later known as the Central America Hurricane struck Belize as a moderate tropical storm, killing around 30-50 people.

In 1955, Hurricane Janet hit Corozal Town with sustained winds of up to 175 mph, resulting in 16 deaths and 20,000 people left homeless.

In 1961, Hurricane Hattie landed just south of Belize City with sustained winds of 155 mph and gusts of up to 200 mph. The accompanying storm surge killed more than 400 people and left thousands homeless, leading to the relocation of the capital city from Belize City to Belmopan.

In 1974, Hurricane Fifi made landfall in Belize as a Category 2 storm, with winds of 85 to 120 mph reported in Belize City.

In 2000, Hurricane Keith lingered off the coast of Belize as a Category 4 storm with 135 mph winds before slowly moving inland, causing heavy damage.

In 2001, Hurricane Iris hit southern Belize with 145 mph winds, causing major damage to nearly 95% of buildings in Placencia and resulting in 31 deaths.

In 2010, Hurricane Richard made landfall just south of Belize City as a Category 1 hurricane with 90 mph winds, causing flooding in the city but no deaths.

In 2022, Hurricane Lisa made a direct hit on Belize with 85 mph winds.

Tropical storms and hurricanes affecting Belize

Belize is vulnerable to hurricanes, storms, and the associated flooding, wind damage, and storm surges. The country's low-lying terrain exacerbates the effects of flooding and sea level rise. Belize is also at risk of extreme temperature events. According to the Natural Disaster Hotspot study by the World Bank, the country is the 61st highest-exposed country for relative mortality risk from multiple hazards in the world and ranked 8th out of 167 countries for climate risk.

Hurricanes occur frequently in Belize, with an average of seven per year. However, hurricanes often do not make landfall in Belize but turn northward beforehand. The remnants then cause gusts of wind and rain on land. The hurricane season usually lasts from early June to late November.

• Hurricane Nana – In September 2020, Nana was forecast to make landfall in Belize as a Category 1 hurricane.
• Hurricane Beryl – In 2024, Beryl was a Category 2 hurricane when it made landfall near Corozal, Belize, with wind speeds of up to 176 km/h.
• Hurricane Chris – In June-July 2024, Chris affected the regions of Belize and Orange Walk Cayo in Belize.
• Hurricane Alberto – In June 2024, Alberto affected the region of Orange Walk Cayo in Belize.
• Hurricane Idalia – In August-September 2023, Idalia affected the regions of Belize and Corozal in Belize.
• Hurricane Lisa – In October-November 2022, Lisa affected the regions of Belize and Cayo in Belize.
• Hurricane Julia – In October 2022, Julia was a hurricane that did not make direct landfall in Belize but passed close to Punta Gorda in Toledo, Belize.
• Hurricane Ian – In September-October 2022, Ian was a hurricane that did not make direct landfall in Belize but passed close to San Pedro in Belize.
• Hurricane Alex – In June 2022, Alex affected the region of Corozal in Belize.
• Hurricane Hattie – Made landfall just south of Belize City with sustained winds of 155 mph and gusts of up to 200 mph. Almost half of Belize City was demolished by the storm.
• Hurricane Francelia – Struck southern Belize with 90 mph winds and caused extensive flooding.
• Hurricane Edith – Made landfall near Belize City as a weak tropical storm in 1971.
• Hurricane Fifi – Made landfall in Belize as a Category 2 storm in 1974, with winds of 85 to 120 mph.
• Hurricane Janet – In September 1955, Janet struck Corozal Town with sustained winds of up to 175 mph, causing massive flooding in the northern districts.
• Hurricane Abby – Abby dissipated after causing around $600,000 in damage in Belize in 1960.
• Hurricane Hattie – In 1961, Hattie made landfall just south of Belize City, killing more than 400 people and leaving thousands homeless.
• Hurricane Anna – In July 1955, Anna crossed into Belize as a minimal hurricane and dissipated shortly thereafter.

Hurricane Beryl's impact on Belize

Hurricane Beryl formed in the North Atlantic on June 25, 2024, and its impact on Belize was felt on July 5, 2024. The hurricane's closest distance to Belize was at 6:00 a.m. on July 5, when it was approximately 140 miles from the coast of Corozal. At that time, the eye of Beryl was about 235 kilometers from Corozal, and the wind speed in the area was 148 km/h.

Beryl caused strong winds, storm surges, damaging waves, heavy rainfall, and floods in parts of Belize. The hurricane reached a wind speed of up to 176 km/h near Corozal, which corresponded to a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The hurricane season in Belize usually lasts from early June to late November, and hurricanes occur frequently, with an average of about seven occurrences per year. However, they often do not make landfall in Belize but turn northward beforehand, with the remnants causing gusts of wind and rain.

The most affected regions in Belize during Hurricane Beryl were Belize City and Corozal. The hurricane caused a trail of destruction and led to evacuations and power outages in some areas. There were no reports of fatalities in Belize due to Beryl, but the storm caused significant damage and left many people homeless and in shelters.

Hurricane Beryl was a powerful storm that caused widespread impact in the Caribbean, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Mexico, and eventually Texas. It strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane at one point, making it the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season and setting several records.

Belize's vulnerability to storms

Belize is highly vulnerable to hurricanes, storms, and associated flooding, wind damage, and storm surges. The country's low-lying terrain exacerbates the impacts of flooding and sea-level rise, and its location in the hurricane belt makes it particularly susceptible to these extreme weather events. On average, hurricanes occur about seven times a year in Belize, and while they often do not make direct landfall, their remnants can cause gusty winds and heavy rainfall.

The hurricane season in Belize typically spans from early June to late November, and the country has a history of devastating hurricanes, including Hurricane Hattie in 1961 and Hurricane Mitch in 1998, which resulted in significant loss of life and property damage. More recently, in 2016, Hurricane Earl made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, impacting over 3,000 households and causing a storm surge of up to 9 feet.

The impacts of these storms can be devastating, particularly for women, children, and vulnerable populations. Children, in particular, are affected, as they make up a significant portion of those displaced by emergencies and account for a large percentage of deaths during and after these events. In recognition of this vulnerability, organizations like UNICEF and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) are working to develop protocols for the integrated protection of children and adolescents during disasters.

In preparation for the 2024 hurricane season, which is predicted to be above average in terms of storm activity, authorities in Belize are urging residents to take necessary precautions. This includes preparing emergency kits, creating evacuation plans, and staying informed about weather updates. The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has been actively conducting training and awareness programs to ensure that residents are as prepared as possible for any potential hurricane threats.

How to prepare for a hurricane in Belize

Belize is a country in Central America, located on the northeastern coast. The hurricane season in Belize usually lasts from early June to late November, and hurricanes occur frequently, with an average of about seven hurricanes a year. However, they often don't make landfall in Belize but turn northward. The most affected regions are Belize and Corozal.

Step 1: Know the Hurricane Phases and Warning Systems

Understand the three hurricane phases: Hurricane Alert, Hurricane Watch, and Hurricane Warning. During the alert phase, all residents in the Cayes are advised to leave the islands. A Hurricane Watch is issued when sustained winds of 40 mph are expected, and residents of coastal regions should move inland to central Belize. A Hurricane Warning means a hurricane is likely to strike the coast within hours, and anyone remaining in the coastal regions should evacuate to the central highlands.

Step 2: Stay Informed and Monitor the Hurricane

Stay alert and informed about the hurricane's progress 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. You can also call the National Meteorological Office at the Phillip S. W. Goldson International Airport or listen to any major radio station for updates.

Step 3: Have an Evacuation Plan and a Hurricane Emergency Kit

Develop and be ready to implement an evacuation plan. Identify an alternate safe residence, ideally in central Belize, in case you need to evacuate from the coastal areas. Have a hurricane emergency kit ready and easily accessible at your home and your emergency residence. Ensure you have adequate supplies, including food, water, medications, and any other essentials, in case you need to shelter in place.

Step 4: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

If you're a U.S. citizen in Belize, consider enrolling in STEP before your trip. This program facilitates notifications and provides support in case of an emergency.

Step 5: Obtain Adequate Travel Insurance

If you're visiting Belize, it is recommended that you obtain travel insurance that covers both medical and emergency evacuation expenses. This can provide financial assistance if you need to evacuate from an affected area or require medical attention.

Step 6: Take Action Early

Don't wait until the last minute to evacuate or prepare. Hurricanes can intensify quickly, and transportation options may become limited. Leave the cayes and coastal areas at the hurricane alert stage, before transportation is affected.

Frequently asked questions