Have you been planning a vacation or move to Mexico but not sure about possible hurricanes there. Take a look at this.
When is hurricane season in Mexico?
Hurricane season is from June 1 through November 30 in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. In this region, hurricanes are more common from mid-August through September, but may form at any time during the hurricane season.
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In Central America, hurricanes are most common from June to November. In South America, hurricanes are more common from August through October or December. The hurricane season can also overlap with tropical cyclone seasons of India and Australia during July-November.
How Bad Is Hurricane Season In Mexico?
Winds associated with hurricanes reach speeds of 145 miles per hour and higher. The highest windspeed ever recorded was 190 miles per hour in Hurricane Donna (1960).
Hurricanes bring lots of rain and storm surge. The storm surge can cause sea water to rise several feet above normal sea level. This makes the storm appears much more severe than it actually is. Storm surge is the primary cause of hurricane related deaths.
Rainfall associated with hurricanes can be heavy. The highest ever recorded was estimated at 20 inches in Hurricane Camille, 1969. The highest one-day rainfall was estimated at 25 inches in Hurricane Mitch, 1998.
Is Hurricane Season In Mexico A Predictable Weather Phenomenon?
Hurricane season is unpredictable, because weather patterns change constantly. Hurricanes are created by atmospheric conditions which include the movement of the jet stream and storm systems crossing over the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The only thing you can depend on is for there to be hurricanes in the western Atlantic at some point each year.
Where Do Hurricanes Hit The Most In Mexico?
There is no clear hot spot, but there is a clear hot time. The Gulf coast from the Rio Grande down to the Yucatan Peninsula gets hurricanes more often in September, October and November.
Mexico makes efforts to reduce damage from hurricanes by designing buildings that conform to strict architectural standards and by taking precautions such as having a hurricane plan in place and being ready for evacuation when needed.
If You Are In Mexico And A Hurricane Hits What Should You Do?
You should make preparations before the storm hits. During the storm, you should be aware of weather conditions and follow any instructions for staying safe.
Do not make any preparations on the assumption that a hurricane will not hit where you live. This will put you at risk even if the hurricane does not make landfall.
For example: A tree could fall and injure or kill people and animals on or near your property. Also, telephone lines could fall down.
You should have a hurricane plan in place before the hurricane season starts. It should include provisions for shelter, food and water, first aid supplies, communication equipment and other personal needs. After the hurricane you can use these provisions to help you recover from the damage the storm caused.
You will need to identify a safe place to go if there is a mandatory evacuation order or if you are ordered to evacuate. This should be well outside of the projected track of the eye of the hurricane.
If you are ordered to evacuate, take your important documents with you. A serious hurricane can cause extensive damage to buildings and all their contents.
You need to develop a plan for staying safe after the storm.
What Is The Cost Of Hurricane Damage In Mexico?
Hurricane damage is expensive in Mexico. It can cost millions of dollars to repair or replace damaged infrastructure, homes and businesses. The total damage can be as high as $3.5 billion dollars.
Will Hurricane Season In Mexico Make A Comeback?
It is unlikely that we will ever again have a return to the extreme hurricane seasons we had in the early 1960s and 1990s. The reason: Climate change is making hurricanes less severe and making them less predictable.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) does not predict when, where or if a hurricane will hit, but it does provide information to help people prepare.
Conclusion
In case of a Mexico hurricane, you need to have a good plan in place so that you can respond quickly and effectively to the dangers they pose. Make sure you have a safe place to go, and prepare your supplies ahead of time so that you will be ready if a hurricane does hit.