Canadians travelling abroad during hurricane season

The hurricane season extends from June 1 to November 30. Tropical depressions and storms that may develop into hurricanes occur in the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific oceans. The east and Gulf coasts of the United States (including Florida, Louisiana and Texas), Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean are the most threatened areas. Extreme weather events of this kind appear to be becoming more frequent and may pose a growing threat in these regions. If you choose to travel during the hurricane season (June 1 to November 30), you may be affected by these storms. You should:

Confirm travel arrangements prior to departure and ensure that your travel insurance allows for trip cancellation/interruption in the event of a hurricane.

Ensure that detailed information – including the name of the tour operator, flight details, hotel name, location, room number and telephone numbers, cruise ship details and itineraries – is left with family or friends in Canada.

Ensure that page 4 of your passport is filled out properly, and leave copies of all travel documents with someone in Canada.

Consider registering with the responsible Canadian government office abroad through Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s registration service. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

Monitor local news broadcasts and weather reports carefully, follow the advice, including departure orders, of local authorities and/or tour operators, and know how to contact the nearest Canadian government office abroad (embassy, high commission or consulate).

Carry details on how to contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Operations Centre at 1-800-267-6788 or 613-996-8885, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and accepts emergency collect calls from Canadians requiring assistance abroad.

Up-to-date weather forecasts for the region are available from the National Hurricane Center. Environment Canada’s Canadian Hurricane Centre also provides recommendations on hurricane preparedness.

In the past, catastrophic storms have caused extreme damage to infrastructure (buildings, houses, telephone and power networks, roads, bridges and airports) and cut off transportation and other services, including emergency services and medical care, as well as access to water and food supplies. Airports and hospitals may be closed or only partially functional, causing delays.

Roads in and out of cities may be flooded. Water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases could also become a threat. In past storms, thousands of travellers have been stranded for days as a result of airport closures and damage to roads and runways. Travellers have been forced to evacuate hotels and move to temporary emergency shelters established by local authorities. Our ability to assist Canadian citizens may be limited in such circumstances.

Although most of the impacts associated with tropical storms and hurricanes occur in coastal regions, these storms can also affect inland areas. The biggest threat to life and property inland is damage from flash floods and landslides due to excessive rainfall. Isolated tornadoes are also possible in coastal areas.