Hurricane season warning

The official Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June through November. This Travel Alert expires on December 11, 2010.

Hurricanes can affect the islands in the Caribbean Sea, the northern coast of South America, Central America, Mexico, as well as many areas in the United States. Those regions may experience widespread damage to infrastructure and serious shortages of habitable accommodations, food, water, and medical facilities caused by storm surge, high winds, heavy rain, flooding, mudslides, and tornadoes

Hurricanes and tropical storms can also result in airport closures or limited flight availability due to runway or terminal damage and a shortage of electricity. Americans in affected regions may be required to delay their return to the United States while staying in emergency shelters with basic resources and limited medicine and food supplies.

People living in or traveling to storm-prone regions can 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, and vital documents (especially passport and other identification). Emergency shelters often provide only very basic resources and may have limited medical and food supplies.

People traveling in regions affected by hurricanes and tropical storms should monitor local radio, local media, and the National Weather Service to stay aware of area weather developments. Minor tropical storms can develop into hurricanes very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe evacuation. Travelers should apprise family and friends of their whereabouts and remain in close contact with their tour operators, hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions in a weather emergency.