CARIBBEAN VIS SAT
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CARIBBEAN IR SAT
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ir SATELLITE (day/night)
ir SATELLITE (day/night)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The official months in the Atlantic and Caribbean are June through November. These are the “typical” formation times, although the busiest months are often August and September. Hurricanes can develop outside the season. According to National Hurricane Center records, dating back to 1851, at least one named tropical storm or hurricane has occurred during every month of the year in the Atlantic. However, off-season systems are not common and do not develop every year. These also often tend to be weaker storms.
Most reliable, long-range models go out 10-15 days. Meteorologists may be able to spot potential activity and development, however, the forecasting accuracy and confidence is low up until a few days before development.
- 5–7 days out: Models can provide a general idea of potential storm development.
- 3–5 days out: Forecasts become more reliable regarding storm track and intensity.
- 1–3 days out: Confidence is highest, with precise impact areas and severity clearer.
Accuracy decreases with time: While models can identify potential hurricane development several days before formation, the further out the forecast, the less precise the prediction of its track and intensity will be.
“Cone of uncertainty”: To account for potential variations in a hurricane’s path, weather forecasts often display a “cone of uncertainty” which grows wider the further out the prediction is. The impacts (rain, wind, flooding, and surge) often extend far beyond the cone. The cone is a depiction of where the center of the storm (or landfall areas) may travel.
We find the best vacation and cruise deals can be found during hurricane season! Lower cruise rates, meal deals and so on. In fact, most of our family vacations have been during hurricane season. The key is making sure you assess your risk and monitor the forecast closely throughout your travel dates. It helps to have a meteorologist in the family, but that’s why we’re here.
- Choose destinations wisely – Some areas are more prone to storms than others.
- Purchase travel insurance – Ensure it covers hurricanes and trip interruptions.
- Book flexible accommodations & flights – Check cancellation policies before booking so you can change the time and dates when YOU want to. Some airlines only allow changes if the destination is in the “cone” or imminent impacts.
- Stay informed – Be sure to routinely check WeatherPassport.com for updates on the hurricane season and possible development, then continuous updates when a storm forms.
First off, just because a storm develops doesn’t mean your plans are ruined. The track, distance to your location and intensity of the storm will determine whether you wait, cancel, or ride it out.
- Contact airlines and hotels – They may offer waivers or flexible rescheduling.
- Evaluate the storm’s impact – If your destination is directly in the path, cancellation or postponement may be safest. Waiting until the last minute will cause headaches and may lead to loss of money.
- Check your travel insurance – Some policies allow trip cancellation due to severe weather.
Once a tropical storm or hurricane develops, it’s TOO LATE to purchase travel insurance. To be covered for a hurricane, you generally need to purchase travel insurance at least 24 hours before a storm is named; once a hurricane is named, it’s considered a foreseeable event and most policies will not cover any related trip cancellations or interruptions caused by that specific storm.
Once a tropical storm or hurricane develops, it’s not too late to purchase travel insurance for your vacation, but it may be too late for insurance to cover you for potential losses caused by the storm.
Travel insurance is designed to offer protection against sudden and unforeseen situations and events. When a hurricane (or other severe weather) becomes a named storm, it also becomes a “foreseeable event” with known potential to affect your travel and destination.
If you buy travel insurance after a storm is named, your plan won’t provide coverage for storm-related claims. To be covered for a hurricane, you generally need to purchase travel insurance at least 24 hours before a storm is named. Meteorologists can often give several days notice before a storm may develop which gives you time to quickly purchase.
HURRICANE RATING SCALE
Wind Speed: Up to 38 mph (62 km/h)
Typical Damage: Minimal damage; heavy rainfall may cause localized flooding.
Travel Considerations: No major travel disruptions, but heavy rain can affect outdoor activities.
Should You Stay or Leave? No need to evacuate; monitor weather conditions if traveling.
Destination Response: Some delays in flights and cruises, but resorts and businesses remain open.
Wind Speed: 39-73 mph (63-118 km/h)
Typical Damage: Minor structural damage; downed trees and power outages possible.
Travel Considerations: Some flight cancellations or delays; beach and water activities may be restricted.
Should You Stay or Leave? Travelers should be cautious; evacuation unlikely but recommended for low-lying areas.
Destination Response: Coastal areas may issue warnings; hotels and resorts implement storm preparedness plans.
Wind Speed: 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h)
Typical Damage: Some damage to unanchored homes, power outages, and beach erosion.
Travel Considerations: Increased flight cancellations; hotels may start evacuating guests near shorelines.
Should You Stay or Leave? Stay indoors in a sturdy location; evacuation not usually required.
Destination Response: Airports may shut down; emergency services prepare for power outages.
Wind Speed: 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h)
Typical Damage: Roof and siding damage, fallen trees, power loss for days to weeks.
Travel Considerations: Most flights canceled; major resorts close temporarily.
Should You Stay or Leave? Evacuation may be recommended in coastal or low-lying areas.
Destination Response: Authorities issue mandatory evacuations in flood-prone zones.
Wind Speed: 111-129 mph (178-208 km/h)
Typical Damage: Severe structural damage, widespread power outages, major flooding.
Travel Considerations: Airports and cruise ports shut down; tourism halts.
Should You Stay or Leave? Mandatory evacuations likely; travel not advised.
Destination Response: Emergency shelters open; local authorities enforce evacuations.
Wind Speed: 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h)
Typical Damage: Catastrophic damage, complete roof failures, power loss for weeks.
Travel Considerations: Complete shutdown of travel services; long-term closures of resorts.
Should You Stay or Leave? Immediate evacuation strongly advised.
Destination Response: Governments and hotels coordinate mass evacuations; major damage assessments post-storm.
Wind Speed: 157+ mph (252+ km/h)
Typical Damage: Total devastation, infrastructure collapse, uninhabitable conditions for weeks or months.
Travel Considerations: Complete travel halt; long-term recovery needed.
Should You Stay or Leave? Immediate evacuation mandatory; travel to affected areas discouraged.
Destination Response: Massive recovery efforts required; airports, hotels, and businesses closed indefinitely.
