Stay Safe and Travel Smart: Essential tips for Hurricane Season 2024

As the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season in the Caribbean began on June 1, it is important for travelers to stay safe and prepared with some essential tips. The season will continue till November 30 and till then the passengers seeking to travel to the region must make their plans by keeping some things in mind.

The 3rd day of hurricane season is quiet and all indications are the first week will go by without any storm development. The first named storm this year will be Alberto. The names of the list for this year’s hurricanes have already been released with a total of 21 names suggested by the National Meteorological Office.

In order to make the plans worry-free during the Hurricane Season, here are a few travel tips for individuals which will ease them while planning the next vacation.

Here are some easy travel tips to keep in mind while traveling to the Caribbean during the Hurricane Season:

1. Stay Informed – As knowledge is power, travelers are advised to check the travel advisory for their destination before they book.
2. Stay Updated – Travellers must monitor local news sources and the National Hurricane Center for weather updates.
3. Consider Travel Insurance (It’s Worth It) – Travellers must protect their plans and consider purchasing travel insurance. It can offer peace of mind and cover unexpected costs such as cancellations due to storms.
4. Have a Plan B (Just in Case) – If a storm is brewing, passengers must consider departure options including will flights be available. They should communicate keeping in mind that how they will stay in touch with loved ones. They also must pack their essentials including medications and supplies in case of delays.
5. Digitize – Travellers must download important documents on their mobile device. They must have digital copies of their passport, travel insurance and other essential documents accessible on their phone or tablet.

It is to be noted that the Head of Meteorological Services at the Maurice Bishop International Airport, Grenada, Gerard Tamar, stated in a recent press conference that the predictions for this season indicate it will be extremely active due to two major factors: high sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Sea, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, which are key ingredients for the formation and sustenance of tropical cyclones, and the transition into the ‘La Niña’ stage, which presents favorable wind shear for cyclone development.

Meanwhile, according to Director of NaDMA, Dr. Terrance Walters, “Whatever the prediction, we must always be prepared.” These disasters can occur at any time, therefore we must put systems in place at the household, community, and country levels.