The hurricane season lasts from early June to late November, affecting the North Atlantic and northeast Pacific oceans, where tropical depressions and storms may develop into hurricanes. The most threatened areas are the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and the east and Gulf coasts of the United States—specifically, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.
Travel disruptions
Hurricanes often cause extensive damage to infrastructure, cutting off access to transportation, emergency assistance, health care, telecommunications, power and even food and water. Although the most severe damage usually occurs along coastlines, hurricanes can also cause significant damage inland when heavy rains cause flash floods and landslides.
In the event of a hurricane, travellers may be evacuated from their hotels to emergency shelters, and thus find themselves stranded for days waiting for flights to resume and roads to reopen. The Government of Canada’s ability to assist Canadian citizens may also be limited in these circumstances.
Necessary precautions
If you choose to travel to a hurricane-prone destination during hurricane season, taking the following steps can help reduce your personal risk:
- Check the Government of Canada’s Country Travel Advice and Advisories website for up-to-date, essential information on your destination.
- Ensure that family or friends in Canada are also aware of your itinerary, and that someone in Canada has copies of your travel documents (such as your passport’s identification page, itinerary and accommodations, and insurance policy).
- Confirm travel arrangements prior to departure and purchase comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers trip cancellation or interruption in the event of a hurricane.
- While you are travelling, monitor local news and weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities and tour operators.
- If you require emergency help, contact your nearest embassy or consulate directly, or contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
- http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/natural-disasters/hurricane-season
- Natural Disasters and Civil Emergencies
- Typhoons and Monsoons
