Hurricane Tips for Travelers
The official dates of the 2025 Hurricane Season in North America are from May 15th to November 30th.
Travel insurer Squaremouth has warned that 2025 could be the most active hurricane season ever. However, even a less active hurricane season can produce life-threatening storms and property damage.
Although the first named storm usually forms by June 20, predictions suggest this may occur early this year.
Recent staffing cuts at the National Weather Service are also a cause for concern. They could reduce the number of hurricane updates or delay the publication of public announcements and warnings. And global warming places more moisture in the air, increasing the possibility of heavy rains accompanying these storms.
It is easy to neglect storm warnings when traveling. Many vacationers are oblivious to weather reports because they may be busy or inattentive. However, it is essential to be vigilant and well-prepared when severe weather is threatened, whether at home or away.
Hurricane Tips for Travelers
Here are some hurricane tips travelers need to know before, after and during their trip.
Hurricane tips: Before you go
- Hurricanes often come with little or no warning. If you are traveling to a hurricane-prone area during “season,” consider travel insurance. Because trip cancellation policies are usually contingent on unforeseeable events, you need to purchase the policy before any warning is issued.
- Check with your hotel, resort or airline carrier about cancellation and refund policies in the event of a hurricane. Many carriers, although not all, waive change fees in extreme weather conditions.
- Be sure your family or close friends know your vacation plans.
- Always travel with a small flashlight, a battery-powered radio, a cell phone, and extra batteries.
- Pack your medications in waterproof containers and keep important travel papers, such as passports, in plastic bags.
- Have some cash on hand because banks and ATMs may not be accessible.
- Be sure to pay attention to weather warnings.
Hurricane Tips: After you arrive
- If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, inquire about how you will get local alerts or warnings while there, especially during a power outage.
- Familiarize yourself with the property’s emergency plans for evacuation, including alternate building exits. Find out whether there are any temporary shelter arrangements, should they be required.
- Use maps to learn community hurricane evacuation routes and find out how to reach higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there, if necessary.
- If you rent a car, keep your gas tank topped off if an evacuation seems likely.
Hurricane tips after a hurricane hits
- On a vacation during hurricane season, stay tuned to radio, TV and NOAA Weather Radio for official updates.
- Don’t take risks by waiting until the last minute to evacuate, or you may find yourself trapped.
- Follow recommended evacuation routes, even when highly trafficked. You may run into difficulties taking shortcuts.
- Be alert to storm-related road hazards, especially flooding.
- If you need to wait out a storm at your destination, be sure it is truly over before you attempt to leave. You may be in the calm “eye” of the storm.
- Be sure to document your costs and any losses in case you need to file an insurance claim.
In an interview published in The Washington Post, meteorologist Michael Lowry said, “Historically, 80 percent of hurricanes form between early August and mid-October…There’s no reason to think this year will be any different, so be ready regardless.”
For hurricane updates, the National Weather Service is a helpful resource.
Save to Pinterest!!
