Hurricane Ian: Will Belize Be Hit?

Hurricane Ian did not make landfall in Belize. On September 26, 2022, it came closest to Belize at about 403 km west of San Pedro, but instead, its first landfall occurred near West Bay on the Cayman Islands. Belize is a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, and hurricanes are frequent in the region. The hurricane season in Belize usually lasts from early June to late November, with about seven hurricanes occurring on average each year.

Hurricane Ian's trajectory and distance from Belize

Hurricane Ian did not make landfall in Belize. On September 26, 2022, at 12:00 pm, it came closest to the country, reaching a distance of about 403 km west of San Pedro in Belize. Instead, Ian's first landfall occurred near West Bay on the Cayman Islands on the same day at 12:00 pm.

Belize is a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. The hurricane season in Belize usually lasts from early June to late November, and hurricanes occur frequently in the country, with an average of about seven occurrences per year. However, hurricanes often do not make landfall in Belize, instead turning northward beforehand. The remnants of these hurricanes then cause gusts of wind and rain on land. 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 preparation for hurricanes, residents and visitors to the cayes and coastal areas of Belize are advised to evacuate at the hurricane alert stage, before transportation systems are significantly affected. The hurricane alert stage is the first stage of a three-phase hurricane preparedness system outlined by the U.S. Embassy in Belize. The second phase, the hurricane watch, is triggered when sustained winds reach 40 mph, leading to the closure of the international airport. The final phase, the hurricane warning, is declared when the hurricane or storm is likely to strike the Belize coast within a matter of hours, and all remaining individuals in the coastal region are advised to move to the central highlands.

To monitor the progress of hurricanes, residents and visitors in Belize can refer to various communication channels. The National Hurricane Center Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration provides continuous updates via the internet, as does the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO). Additionally, the National Meteorological Office at the Phillip S. W. Goldson International Airport can be reached by telephone. All major radio stations in Belize also provide continuous updates on hurricane progress.

Belize's hurricane season

Belize, a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, experiences a hurricane season that officially runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. The rainy season in Belize, also known as the green season or low season for tourism, coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, with the most active period for tropical storms typically occurring from the end of August through mid-October. While hurricanes occur frequently in Belize, on average about seven times a year, they often do not make landfall, instead turning northward beforehand. However, when hurricanes do make landfall in Belize, they can cause extensive damage, serious injuries, and fatalities.

The areas in Belize most vulnerable to hurricane damage are the cayes and coastal areas, including popular tourist destinations such as San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia on the mainland. During a hurricane alert, residents and visitors in these areas are advised to evacuate to central Belize. The Belize government designates specific hurricane shelters for those evacuated from tourist areas.

In preparation for hurricane season, residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed about weather updates and be aware of the three hurricane phases: alert, watch, and warning. The National Hurricane Center Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) provide continuous updates online, while the National Meteorological Office at the Phillip S. W. Goldson International Airport can be reached by telephone. All major radio stations will also have continuous updates on hurricane progress.

To ensure safety during hurricane season in Belize, it is recommended to have an evacuation plan and a hurricane emergency kit in place. Additionally, U.S. citizens in Belize are advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for assistance in emergency situations.

Hurricane preparedness in Belize

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. The country experiences frequent hurricanes, with an average of seven occurrences per year. While hurricanes often do not make direct landfall in Belize, their remnants can cause gusts of wind and rain. The hurricane season in Belize typically lasts from early June to late November, with the Atlantic Hurricane Season officially running from June 1 to November 30.

Three Hurricane Phases

It is crucial to understand the three hurricane phases in Belize:

• Hurricane Alert: During this phase, all residents in the Cayes are advised to evacuate the islands.
• Hurricane Watch: The international airport will likely close when sustained winds reach 40 mph, typically during the watch phase. Residents of Belize City and coastal regions should move to central Belize.
• Hurricane Warning: This stage indicates that the hurricane or storm is expected to strike the Belize coast within a matter of hours. Anyone remaining in the coastal region should relocate to the central highlands.

Monitoring Hurricane Progress

Stay informed about the hurricane's progress through various communication channels:

• Internet: The National Hurricane Center Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) provide continuous updates.
• Telephone: Call (011) 501-225-2011 to contact the National Meteorological Office at the Phillip S. W. Goldson International Airport for information.
• Radio: All major radio stations will broadcast continuous updates on the hurricane's progress.

Evacuation and Shelter

In the event of an approaching hurricane, residents and visitors in vulnerable areas, such as the cayes and coastal regions, should evacuate to safer locations. The government of Belize designates hurricane shelters specifically for those evacuated from tourist areas. It is recommended that individuals have an alternate residence and evacuation plan in place. U.S. citizens in Belize are responsible for their evacuation costs and are advised to obtain travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation.

Emergency Kits

Prepare hurricane emergency kits for your home and your emergency residence. These kits should include essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and any specific items for infants, elderly family members, or pets.

Advance Planning

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before travelling to Belize. This program facilitates notifications and assistance in case of an emergency. Additionally, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers both medical and emergency evacuation expenses.

Belize's hurricane history

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. The country experiences hurricane season 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.

Since records began in 1851, only two hurricanes have been of Category 5 strength and have hit or come close to Belize: Hurricane Janet in 1955 and Hurricane Dean in 2007. In addition, only three Category 4 hurricanes have impacted Belize: the 1931 British Honduras hurricane, Hurricane Keith in 2000, and Hurricane Iris in 2001. About once a decade, a major hurricane strikes the nation.

• 1931 British Honduras Hurricane (Category 4): This hurricane struck Belize City on September 10, killing approximately 2,500 people. It remains the deadliest hurricane and natural disaster in the country's history.
• Hurricane Hattie (1961): Hurricane Hattie made landfall in Belize on October 31, causing extensive damage to Belize City. The capital city was forced to relocate inland due to the storm.
• Hurricane Keith (2000): Hurricane Keith was a Category 4 storm that stalled off the shore of Belize, resulting in 19 fatalities and $280 million in damage.
• Hurricane Iris (2001): A small but powerful Category 4 hurricane, Iris made landfall in Monkey River Town, Belize, on October 9, with winds of 145 miles per hour. The storm caused 24 deaths and $250 million in damage.
• Hurricane Dean (2007): Dean made landfall just north of Belize as a Category 5 hurricane, bringing strong winds, rain, and storm surges. The crop industry in Belize suffered significant losses.
• Hurricane Richard (2010): Richard roared into Belize on October 24, causing widespread damage to central and southern Belize. The storm resulted in power outages, downed trees, and electricity poles, and damaged homes and infrastructure.
• Hurricane Earl (2016): Earl made landfall in Belize as a Category 1 hurricane on August 4, causing extensive damage, particularly to the agriculture sector. Losses to agriculture exceeded $100 million.
• Hurricane Nana (2020): On September 1, Hurricane Nana hit southern Belize, bringing gale-force winds and heavy rain.
• Hurricane Lisa (2022): Hurricane Lisa made a direct hit on Belize on November 2, 2022, with winds of up to 85 miles per hour.

The impact of hurricanes on Belize

Belize, a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, is vulnerable to hurricanes, storms, and the associated impacts of flooding, wind damage, and storm surges. The country's low-lying terrain and position on the eastern Yucatán peninsula mean that it is particularly susceptible to the effects of hurricanes. On average, hurricanes occur in Belize about seven times a year, although they often do not make landfall, turning northward beforehand.

Belize has a long history of hurricanes, with records dating back to 1851. Only two hurricanes of Category 5 strength have hit or come close to Belize in that time: Hurricane Janet in 1955 and Hurricane Dean in 2007. Only three Category 4 hurricanes have impacted Belize: the 1931 British Honduras hurricane, Hurricane Keith in 2000, and Hurricane Iris in 2001. Hurricane Keith, for example, stalled off the shore of Belize, causing $280 million in damage and killing 19 people. In addition, about once a decade, a major hurricane strikes the nation.

The most recent tropical cyclone to hit Belize was Hurricane Lisa in November 2022. The most severe hurricane to make landfall in Belize in the past 12 months was Hurricane Beryl, which reached a wind speed of up to 176 km/h near Corozal in July 2024.

Hurricanes can have devastating impacts on Belize, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and the tourism industry. They can also lead to power outages, communication disruptions, and isolated communities. In addition, hurricanes can result in the loss of lives and livelihoods, with people left homeless and struggling to recover from the disaster.

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