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Hurricanes in Yucatán
Hurricane season in Yucatán
The hurricane season in Yucatán is actually the Gulf's tropical cyclone season; this means it's important to keep an eye on not just hurricanes, but also tropical depressions and storms.
Tropical depressions and storms have winds between 40 and 117 km/h (or 24 and 72 mph). Once they reach 118 km/h (73 mph), these weather phenomena are considered hurricanes. There are five levels of hurricanes; according to the Saffir-Simpson intensity scale, these range from Category 1 (with wind speeds between 118 and 153 km/h, or 75 and 95 mph) to Category 5 (winds exceeding 250 km/h or 155 mph).
For 2024, the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at Colorado State University is predicting an 'extremely active' hurricane season for the Atlantic. This is due to the shift from El Niño to La Niña this year. They expect 23 named storms (much higher than the average of 14 between 1991 and 2020), with 11 of those potentially becoming hurricanes.
What to expect during hurricane season in Yucatán
In Yucatán, most houses are made of metal and concrete, making them very safe against the strong winds during the tropical cyclone season. However, it’s true that at these wind speeds, extreme damage can occur, and if the hurricane brings rain, it can cause severe damage as well.
On the coast, the sea can gain unexpected strength and destroy whatever is in its path; depending on the severity of the threat, authorities might urge people in those areas to evacuate. If this happens, don’t ignore their recommendations; the sea can completely destroy even the most solid concrete structures.
But don’t be afraid: hurricanes are seen coming days in advance, and it’s unlikely they will catch us by surprise. Here are some recommendations.
Early warning system for tropical cyclones in Yucatán
What does the blue hurricane alert mean in México?
What does the green hurricane alert mean in México?
What does the yellow hurricane alert mean in México?
What does the orange hurricane alert mean in México?
What does the red hurricane alert mean in México?
If you visit Yucatán during hurricane season (between June and November), the most important thing is to stay updated with alerts and rely only on verified sources. If a hurricane is approaching the Península, you’ll likely see satellite photos on the front pages of local newspapers. Local authorities also publish warnings (in Spanish, Maya, and English) on radio stations and other media. Online, you can monitor alerts from the United States National Hurricane Center.
In general, the most important precautions you should take for a hurricane in Yucatán are:
- Stay informed of instructions from authorities.
- If you're staying in a hotel, check with the management about their protection and shelter protocols.
- If you're in charge of your house or apartment, inspect the property and surroundings for objects that could be blown away by the wind (water tank lids are especially susceptible), and secure them as much as possible.
- Prepare provisions (water and non-perishable food), candles, batteries, and flashlights for at least a couple of days. It is also advisable to have a battery-operated radio to stay updated on the storm's progress. In case of impact, a well-stocked cooler with ice can be a lifesaver, as can handheld fans, in case of power outages.
- If you take any medication, make sure you are well stocked.
- During the storm, stay away from all windows.
- In previous instances, when impact has been imminent, authorities have decreed the suspension of alcohol sales, as most injuries and fatalities during these events are caused by reckless behavior.
How are hurricanes named?
- Alberto
- Beryl
- Chris
- Debby
- Ernesto
- Francine
- Gordon
- Helene
- Isaac
- Joyce
- Kirk
- Leslie
- Milton
- Nadine
- Oscar
- Patty
- Rafael
- Sara
- Tony
- Valerie
- William
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 270, in June 2011.
Last updated in May 2024.
![Alicia Navarrete Alonso](https://yucatantoday.com/hubfs/2114141/Imported_Blog_Media/Carta-Editora-ene-22-circulo-Dec-29-2023-02-45-16-0906-AM.jpg)
Author: Alicia Navarrete Alonso
Communicologist born circumstantially in México City, but who says “uay” since 1985. Life has allowed me to see the world, which in turn has allowed me to discover how much I love the place where I live
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