The
Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the Hurricane and Typhoon
Seasons in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Caribbean, and the Gulf
of Mexico. Hurricane and Typhoon Season will last through November 2015,
though most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and
October. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
recommends that those in hurricane- and typhoon-prone regions begin
preparations for the upcoming seasons now. This Travel Alert expires on
December 1, 2015.
The Atlantic Basin, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea: Hurricane Season in the Atlantic began June 1. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center expects to see
a near-normal or below-normal hurricane season this year with a 70
percent chance of a below-normal season, a 20 percent chance of a
near-normal season, and only a 10 percent chance of an above-normal
season. NOAA predicts a likely development of El Nino during the summer
or early fall and a 70 percent chance of 6 to 11 named storms, which
includes TS Ana that formed in May. Of those, three to six storms are
predicted to strengthen to a hurricane (with top winds of 74 mph or
higher) and one to two are expected to become major hurricanes (with top
winds of 111 mph or higher, ranking Category 3, 4, or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale). NOAA recommends that those in hurricane-prone regions begin preparations for the upcoming season now.
The Eastern Pacific:
Hurricane season in the Eastern Pacific began on May 15. NOAA expects a
near- or above-normal season, with a 70 percent chance of an
above-normal season, a 25 percent chance of a near-normal season, and a 5
percent chance of a below normal season. NOAA predicts a 70 percent
chance of 15 to 22 named storms, of which seven to twelve are expected
to become hurricane strength. Of those, five
to eight are expected to become major hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5 on
the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale).
Western and Central Pacific:
Typhoon season in the Western and Central Pacific began on June 1.
NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) predicts a 70 percent
change of an above normal season, a 25 percent chance of a near-normal
season, and a 5 percent chance of a below-normal season. CPHC expects
five to eight tropical cyclones to affect the central Pacific this
season. For information on typhoon warnings, please consult the Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Honolulu, the National Weather Service's Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) Tokyo - Typhoon Center.
During
and after some previous storms, U.S. citizens traveling abroad
encountered dangerous and often uncomfortable conditions that lasted for
several days while awaiting transportation back to the United States.
In the past, many U.S. citizens were forced to delay travel (including
return travel to the United States) due to infrastructure damage to
airports and limited flight availability. Roads were also washed out or
obstructed by debris, adversely affecting access to airports and land
routes out of affected areas. Reports of looting and sporadic violence
in the aftermath of natural disasters have occurred. Security personnel
may not always be readily available to assist. In the event of a
hurricane, travelers should be aware that they may not be able to depart
the area for 24-48 hours or longer.
If
you live in or travel to these areas during the hurricane or typhoon
season, we recommend you obtain travel insurance to cover unexpected
expenses during an emergency. If a situation requires an evacuation
from an overseas location, the U.S. Department of State may work with
commercial airlines to ensure that U.S. citizens can depart as safely
and efficiently as possible. Commercial airlines are the Department's
primary source of transportation in an evacuation; other means of
transport are utilized only as a last resort, are often more expensive,
and will provide you with fewer destination options. U.S. law requires
that any evacuation costs are your responsibility. For those in
financial need, the U.S. Department of State has the authority to
provide crisis evacuation and repatriation loans. For more information,
please visit the Emergencies Abroad page on our website, http://www.travel.state.gov/
If
you live in or are traveling to storm-prone regions, prepare for
hurricanes and tropical storms by organizing a kit in a waterproof
container that includes a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food
items, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, any medications taken
regularly, and vital documents (especially your passport and other
identification). Emergency shelters often provide only very basic
resources and may have limited medical and food supplies. NOAA and the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have additional tips on their
websites,http://www.nhc.noaa.
Monitor
local radio, local media, and the National Weather Service to be aware
of weather developments. Minor tropical storms can develop into
hurricanes very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe
evacuation. Inform family and friends of your whereabouts and remain in
close contact with your tour operator, hotel staff, transportation
providers (airlines, cruise lines, etc.), and local officials for
evacuation instructions during a weather emergency.
We strongly encourage U.S. citizens to enroll with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By
enrolling, you will receive the most recent security and safety updates
during your trip. Enrollment also ensures that you can be reached
during an emergency. While we will do our utmost to assist you in a
crisis, be aware that local authorities bear primary responsibility for
the welfare of people living or traveling in their jurisdictions.
Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness can be found on the Department’s "Hurricane Season - Know Before You Go" webpage.
You can get updated information on travel to your destination from the
Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States
and Canada or, from outside the United States and Canada,
1-202-501-4444. We also encourage you to check the Country Specific Information and the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate with consular responsibilities for the territory you will be visiting. Follow us on Twitter and become a fan of the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ page on Facebook as well.
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