Hurricanes in the Yucatan

With hurricanes there is good news and bad news. Of course good news means no hurricanes or that a developed hurricane is on a course going out to sea and not affecting anywhere or anyone. It is a fact that we on the Yucatan Peninsula definitely live in hurricane territory. The perils of living in paradise! From June 1st to December 1st, which is hurricane season, we keep our eyes on the weather and its forecasts. The good news is, since we live in this area and know it is always possible we will be visited by a hurricane, we are old hands at knowing what to do and how to prepare. More good news is that hurricanes, unlike tsunamis and earthquakes, take days to form so you have time to prepare. Tsunamis and earthquakes just happen out of nowhere – hurricanes take up to a week to cross the Atlantic Ocean after they leave the coast of Africa. During hurricane season the people of the Yucatan monitor each and every swell that leaves Africa.

Historically, there have not been many hurricanes to hit the peninsula. However, the few that have hit have been rather devastating causing great havoc. In 1988 Hurricane Gilbert hit on September 14th. On Sept. 23, 2002 Hurricane Isidoro played havoc. In 2005 we got into hurricane mode expecting Emily, Wilma and Katrina to visit. We were spared when they veered north. This past year, 2006 was a dead hurricane season for us.

If you are here during this time frame, we advise you to be alert. Guests in hotels will be kept updated. It is important that you keep in touch with the front desk. If you are a traveler on your own, take a look at the front pages of the local newspapers. As a hurricane develops there are usually satellite pictures on the front page. You can also check the internet at the addresses below.

There is a warning system used by the Yucatan State government that tells you what you should be doing according the stage and nearness of the hurricane:

Yellow alert - Preparation Stage - Moderate danger - keep informed, locate temporary hurricane shelters in your area and prepare for possible evacuation.  Get important papers (ID’S, passports, marriage/death/divorce certificates) and medications together. Use Zip-Lock bags. Figure out what you will do with any animals you have with you.

Orange alert - Alarm Stage - Alert stage  Evacuate risky areas (beaches, coastal villages, low lands) and constructions, be on alert. Move to shelter. Take papers and medicines.

Red alert - Evacuation Stage - You should be in the Shelter. Remain there and follow authorities instructions.

Things to do to prepare:

1. Stock enough food, water and medicine to remain at home for at least three days without power in case rescue efforts are delayed or roads are blocked.
2. Have a backup power sources for home medical equipment.
3. Know where your shut-off and valves are for utilities such as gas, electricity and water.
4. Have a list of your medications, allergies and medical conditions. Take it with you along with your medications if you evacuate.

Have a cell phone (land line service can be interrupted.) Have an emergency contact person out of the area.

For more information on current weather check out the following links:

NOAA Click on Gulf of Mexico, read the synopsis or warnings. You can then take a look at the wind and wave forecasts for 24, 48 and 72 time frames.

Weather Channel to view a satellite map of the Yucatan and the Gulf of Mexico.

More info on how to survive the next hurricane click here.

For more information on past hurricanes, check out the following links:

- Harvard Forest, Harvard University
- NOAA's info on Hurricane Gilbert
- Firsthand account of Gilbert in Cancun
- Merida's history from Hurricane City
- Red Cross for hurricane victims