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- Hurricane Season In The Bahamas Is More Than It Seems
Hurricane season sounds scary, and if traveling to The Bahamas, one would be wise to take precautions. However, it is not always necessary to avoid a trip to the islands because it is hurricane season. Many will experience a lot of rain as opposed to a major cyclone. But, just in case, consider purchasing travel medical insurance.
And, of course, check the weather before leaving for The Bahamas. Proper packing will make for a better trip, and being prepared for any flight delays could save travelers from other issues. Many people may wonder when hurricane season is in the Bahamas, which will be answered in this article.
Again, hurricane season in The Bahamas doesn't have to ruin a trip to the islands if one is informed. Here are 14 things to know about hurricane season in The Bahamas.
UPDATE: 2023/04/20 15:22 EST BY NOAH STAATS
Hurricane Season In The Bahamas Is More Than It Seems
This article has been updated with four more things to know about the Bahamas and the annual hurricane season, including predictions for future systems and the islands' future. One thing that is most unique about traveling during hurricane season in the Bahamas is that it's often cheaper. Daring travelers will save the most money!
16 Hurricane Season In The Bahamas In 2023
The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season in the Bahamas, spanning from June 1 to November 30, presents a dynamic outlook, according to NOAA. With a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season, and a 30% chance of a below-normal season, the region faces potential variability in storm activity.
NOAA's forecast indicates a range of 12 to 17 named storms, each with winds exceeding 39 mph. As always, it is crucial for residents and authorities in the Bahamas to stay informed and prepared, taking necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impact of tropical storms and hurricanes.
15 When Is Hurricane Season In The Bahamas?
Hurricane season in The Bahamas starts June 1st to November 30th. A hurricane can appear in May, so the storm is not limited to those dates specifically. Researchers assess hurricane activity in the past 170 years to predict the severity of future storms.
"However, it remains unclear whether the high rate of hurricane passage through the northern Bahamas has persisted through time or is simply an artifact of stochastic randomness from this short dataset," states a scientific report on Nature.
14 Major Hurricanes Are Not As Frequent In The Bahamas
It may be a surprise to many that major hurricanes happen on occasion. According to WorldData, hurricanes in The Bahamas happen about four times a year. But this is not to say that The Bahamas does not experience the devastating effects of hurricanes. Hurricanes in The Bahamas have been extremely costly and damaging. Also, The Bahamas is located in an area where hurricanes are known to form.
It is predicted that "with increased surface temperatures and oceanic heat content that storms will become more intense and have more overall precipitation. Increased sea-surface temperatures can act as a fuel for convective activity in tropical cyclones which can increase energy and therefore intensity," states a recent article from Cape Eleuthera Institute.
Colorado State University revealed that The Bahamas would most definitely be impacted by a tropical storm (96% chance). However, the risk of a storm becoming a severe hurricane is 50%.
13 What Areas In The Bahamas Are Most Affected By Hurricanes?
The hardest hit regions in The Bahamas are Central Abaco, Andros, East Grand Bahama, and West Grand Bahama. A quick Google search will reveal that Abaco is labeled as "The Hurricane Capital of the World." Although other areas in the Pacific experience hurricanes quite often, locations in The Bahamas will get few but strong hurricanes. Some hurricanes destroyed the islands: Hurricane Dorian, Hurricane Floyd, Hurricane Irma, and Hurricane Joaquin. The Bahamas is affected by tropical storms more than other nations in the Caribbean.
12 Islands On The South Are Less Affected
While the Bahamas are generally vulnerable to hurricanes due to their geographic location, there isn't a specific region that is entirely immune to the impact of these storms. However, some islands may have a relatively lower frequency of hurricane landfalls compared to others.
Islands that lie farther to the south, such as Inagua and Mayaguana, have historically experienced fewer direct hits from hurricanes. However, it's important to note that no area within the Bahamas can be considered completely immune or safe from the potential impact of hurricanes. It is always advisable to stay informed, follow official guidance, and take necessary precautions during hurricane seasons.
11 The Month With The Most Hurricanes In The Bahamas
The median month affected most by hurricanes in The Bahamas is during September. August, September, and October are considered months at risk for high hurricane activity, says USA TODAY 10 Best. From 1851 to 2021, 37 Category 5 hurricanes wreaked havoc on The Bahamas: 1 during July, 8 in August, 21 in September, 6 in October, and 1 in November.
10 When Hurricanes Make Landfall In The Bahamas
Many hurricanes affecting The Bahamas don't make landfall. And because of this, Meteorologist Wayne Neely says that Bahamians do not take hurricanes as seriously as they should. When hurricanes strengthen, the effects can be damaging and devastating. Bahamas Local explains that severe hurricanes that make landfall hit the islands once every 12 years but may change.
"There may also be evidence of tropical cyclones traveling at slower speeds that may increase rainfall on land. With increased sea levels, more rain, and slower cyclone translational speeds, this could be a recipe for more disasters as there will be higher levels of storm surge and flooding."
Hurricane Dorian in 2019 was the worst ever since The Great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935.
9 Hurricane Dorian Was The Worst Hurricane In The Bahamas
Hurricane Dorian has been the most extreme hurricane to attack The Bahamas. Hurricane Dorian—The Story of the Greatest and Deadliest Hurricane To Impact the Bahamas in the Modern Era by Wayne Neely informed that hurricanes typically last 8 to 12 hours at most. But Hurricane Dorian did something much worse; it didn't continue moving as it ravaged the islands; it "stopped dead in its tracks." It lasted 36 hours.
8 The Bahamas Is Located In The Atlantic Hurricane Belt
Hurricanes forming in the North Atlantic Ocean have four zones: The Bahamas, the Gulf of Mexico, the Western Caribbean Sea, and the coast of Cape Verde. The Bahamas gets hit with tropical storms, including wrecking hurricanes, more than other surrounding nations (Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Puerto Rico, stated Marjahn Finlayson, Research Scientist, in an article on Island School.
What's more, The Bahamas will experience hurricanes that develop in all of these regions. Even hurricanes that hit Florida will affect The Bahamas. Experts blame climate change for the increased intensity of recent hurricanes.
7 Reliable Weather Sources For Hurricanes In The Bahamas
The US Embassy in The Bahamas encourages everyone to keep a watchful eye on the weather when planning to or in The Bahamas during hurricane season. Official announcements will be made on local radio stations. The Weather Channel is also a reliable source, and if in the Miami, Florida area, those local TV stations will also provide up-to-date information on any storms forming.
6 How To Prepare For A Hurricane In The Bahamas
If traveling to or already in The Bahamas during hurricane season, it is wise to be prepared. Stay up-to-date on weather reports, and plan ahead. Consider what to do if a hurricane strikes. Making a plan ahead of time will allow travelers to be one foot ahead of the game and have less stress if and when a hurricane does develop into something more serious.
If a weather emergency occurs, stay in touch with your tour operator, hotel staff, and local authorities for evacuation instructions.
Consider signing up for emergency alerts from Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and perhaps some traveler's insurance.
5 What Happens If I'm Stuck In A Hurricane In The Bahamas?
Evacuating by plane will not be an option during a hurricane. If staying at a hotel, staff members will have a plan in place. If management suggests evacuation, it is a good idea to do so, whether compensation is given or not.
Seek proper shelter. Remember that The Bahamas is flat and low, making it prone to floods. At the end of the storm, be aware of the surroundings; live wires may pose a risk. Towards the end of this page, emergency contact numbers such as hospital and police station phone numbers are provided.
4 Hurricane Season Is The Cheapest Time To Visit The Bahamas
One interesting fact about hurricane season in the Bahamas is that it's often the cheapest time to go. Generally, because of the possibility of a storm, hotel rates will be far more affordable throughout the Caribbean, encouraging tourists to travel there.
Therefore, people may be able to score a better deal for flights, lodging, food, and activities, given they can happen and there is no major storm system moving through the Bahamas. According to various travel pros, going to the Bahamas during the fall or "low season" is becoming more popular each year. With prices for everything rising, many adventurers don't mind the potential storm that awaits them once they're in the Bahamas: after all, it's paradise.
Booking flights, cruises, hotels, and experiences in the Bahamas will be cheaper during hurricane season. Historically, when hurricanes are most prevalent during the fall, people will try scoring deals throughout the Caribbean islands.
3 Cruises Still Come To The Bahamas During Hurricane Season
The next interesting thing about hurricane season in the Bahamas is that although sometimes risky, many cruise lines continue to sail through the islands during peak storm season. Typically, cruises will go as scheduled to the Bahamas during fall periods, as long as there aren't any predicted storms.
However, in the event a hurricane happens during a cruise to the Bahamas, the boat will have to turn around, or in the worst case: the trip is canceled before boarding. Celebrity Cruises mentions that they continue to sail during hurricane periods, although they recommend guests purchase travel insurance to protect their cruise if something happens.
These ten cheap cruises to the Bahamas are a perfect example of seasonal price hikes and drops.
2 Most Hurricanes In The Bahamas Are Not Deadly
Although hurricanes can be scary, the Bahamas rarely experience deadly storming. As mentioned above, Hurricane Dorian was the worst in the history of these islands, killing roughly 74 people. However, in general, the hurricanes that come to the Bahamas don't stay there long, only resulting in property damage and flooding.
Regardless, it's crucial to find a secure location to shelter in place while the hurricane passes through in the event it decides to stay in the same area for a while.
1 Hurricane Season In The Bahamas Could Sink The Islands
Because of global warming and hurricanes becoming more detrimental to island nations, the Bahamas is predicted to lose much of its landmass over the next century. According to climate researchers, the Bahamas is at risk of losing 80 percent of its landmass in the next 80 years.
This is in part because of sea temperatures rising globally, as well as increased strength with hurricanes each fall season. Of course, there are efforts to prevent this from happening in the Bahamas, but it can be challenging to stop Mother Nature once it's deemed too late.