The US government has issued a hurricane season alert for its citizens in 7 Caribbean countries including Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center, the Caribbean will experience 14 to 21 storms and 6 to 11 hurricanes, including 2 to 5 major hurricanes, in the period that goes from June 1 to November 30.
Weather experts have warned that the hurricane season this year could be the strongest in the last two decades.
“This is the highest number of hurricanes predicted in any forecast issued by The Weather Company,” said experts at The Weather Company and Atmospheric G2.
Estimates suggest that a clash between unusually warm waters and changing weather systems has the potential to create at least one major hurricane landfall in 2024.
“The cumulative Atlantic Basin cyclone activity will be approximately 170 percent of its long-term averages,” according to the University of Colorado.
The US urges Americans to act “now.” This means the classic “hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.”
Here are some important recommendations:
If you are living in or traveling to the Caribbean or areas of influence of the Atlantic Ocean, make sure to purchase travel insurance that covers evacuation.
The US State Department may arrange your departure with commercial airlines from affected countries but expenses are your responsibility.
Bear in mind that you may not be able to leave an affected territory in 24-48 hours or longer due to road or airport closures. So make sure to keep handy a kit of essential items in a waterproof container with non-perishable food, bottled water, a battery-powered radio and travel documents like passports. Do not forget to bring your own medicine.
It’s highly recommended to register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get last-minute information about the weather situation and help locate you in case you get lost.
Don’t disregard the importance of having your friends and family back home informed about your whereabouts.
In the same vein, keep in contact with your hotel staff and local authorities to learn about what to do during a weather emergency. Protocols may be different from those established in the United States.
Monitor local news and talk to locals to learn what to do in case of an emergency, but do it now before the emergency happens.