Hurricane season 2026: Hurricanes, Cyclones and Typhoons

Everything you need to know to stay safe and informed throughout the season.

During hurricane season, tropical cyclones, known regionally as hurricanes or typhoons among other names, are expected to continue impacting areas beyond traditionally affected regions.

Authorities forecast a high chance of a very strong El Niño between June and November due to unusually warm ocean waters in the tropical Pacific. Organisations must consider how to maintain operational continuity and protect their travellers.

The expanding reach of tropical cyclones, as well as extratropical storms, now includes areas once considered low-risk, such as parts of western Europe or the Middle East. While it is difficult to predict exactly when and where tropical cyclones will strike, or the full extent of their impacts, organisations can anticipate the risks they pose and prepare accordingly.

The long-term trend of rising ocean temperatures has coincided with tropical cyclones reaching places that have historically been less affected, further from the tropics and closer to the poles. The trend could be exacerbated by the forecast El Niño, which typically contributes to higher global temperatures.

This calls for a broader perspective and more adaptable response strategies for risk and travel managers. For businesses with people on the move, tropical cyclones and extratropical storms present layered risks, from immediate travel disruptions and infrastructure damage to long-term health concerns and logistical challenges. Flight cancellations, blocked transport routes and power outages can derail plans in moments.

Being reactive is no longer enough; proactive planning is essential. This means building flexibility into travel policies, identifying trusted accommodation with robust disaster protocols and ensuring employees are trained on emergency response procedures. Emergency supplies, evacuation plans and reliable communication channels should all be in place well before any disaster strikes.

In this informer, we share practical guidance to help businesses minimise disruption, protect travellers and remain resilient in the face of increasingly unpredictable conditions.

Picture of Bumjoon Park

Bumjoon Park

Senior Analyst, APAC

Travel section

Health section

Safety section

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Travel

In recent years, rising sea temperatures and shifting weather patterns have increased the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones and extratropical storms globally. While the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans have long been prone to such events, other regions, such as the Mediterranean Sea, are now facing them more frequently.

Each region of the world encounters distinct challenges. The Asia-Pacific region experiences some of the most severe typhoons recorded. Americas endure particularly intense hurricane seasons. While less frequent than in some other regions, extratropical storms and tropical cyclones are becoming an increasingly significant risk across the Europe–Middle East–Africa region.

As hurricane season becomes increasingly unpredictable, its impact on travel grows, including flight cancellations, road closures and power outages. Preparedness and flexibility are crucial for travellers visiting high-risk areas.

 

EURO

By Roxana Dumitrescu and Ryan Rogers

Although Europe’s climate largely insulates the continent from tropical cyclones, the remnants of a tropical storm (a weaker stage of a hurricane) in the Atlantic Ocean may generate destructive winds, heavy rain and subsequent floods throughout the year. Warming seas and shifting weather patterns have also fuelled an increase in unpredictable storms in recent years, including Mediterranean hurricanes (medicanes).

The region has experienced several intense extratropical storms across the 2025-26 storm season, with southern and western Europe receiving some of the worst storms, such as:

  • Amy (October 2025)
  • Benjamin (October 2025)
  • Goretti (January 2026)
  • Leonardo (February 2026)

These storms, largely originating from high-pressure systems over the Atlantic, triggered widespread disruptions to road and rail travel due to fallen trees and localised flooding. Following the passage of Storm Leonardo over the Iberian Peninsula, thousands of people were displaced, with severe travel disruptions persisting for over a week as officials increased support measures to expedite cleanup efforts.

SSA

By Roxana Dumitrescu and Ryan Rogers

Tropical cyclones pose a significant risk to Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly between November and April, as cyclonic activity forms in the Indian Ocean and overwhelms countries across East Africa.

The southeast of the continent has experienced significant tropical cyclone activity since the start of the year. At least 71 people were killed and tens of thousands displaced across Madagascar after tropical cyclones Fytia and Gezani struck the island within 10 days of each other between January and February. Flooding and severe damage to roads and infrastructure were reported in many areas. Gezani proved particularly destructive as it tracked westward towards southern Mozambique and triggered catastrophic flooding.

Mozambique had already been embattled by La Niña-driven rainfall, straining already poorly-equipped emergency response infrastructure. The floods destroyed homes, roads and bridges while contaminated water sources and damaged sanitation facilities increased the risk of waterborne diseases. Severely damaged transport routes also cut off domestic and international travel, and hampered humanitarian access. In total, at least 215 people were killed, and over 856,000 others were impacted.

Though less common, tropical cyclones also pose a risk to coastal states across West Africa. In August 2025, Tropical Storm Erin formed over Cabo Verde and unleashed rainfall above annual averages in a matter of hours. A state of emergency was declared across the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão, with significant rainfall also recorded across São Nicolau. At least 12 people were killed, five remained missing and over 27,500 others were directly impacted. The system is considered one of the fastest intensifying hurricanes on record.

MENA

By Claudia Gualdi, Roxana Dumitrescu and Sila Ceyhan

Recent years have seen an increase in unusual weather patterns, storms and medicanes across the Middle East and North Africa, causing flooding, disruptions and casualties, while also exposing the region’s vulnerabilities in responding to extreme weather events. Casualties and disruptions caused by heavy rainfall and flooding were reported throughout 2025 and into early 2026 across multiple countries in the region, including Tunisia, Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Oman, Syria and Ethiopia.

Although the region is typically characterised by arid and semi-arid climates, severe thunderstorms affected parts of the Middle East in March, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. In some areas, up to 150 mm of rain fell within just a few days, triggering widespread flooding. The deluge was driven by an unusually strong jet stream, which generated a deep low-pressure system north of Saudi Arabia. This system drew moist tropical air from the Indian Ocean, triggering intense thunderstorms.

In the UAE, heavy flooding was reported in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and parts of the northern emirates. In Oman, at least 10 people were killed as torrential rainfall caused flash flooding, traffic disruptions and road closures, prompting authorities to activate emergency shelter centres.

In February, Storm Leonardo brought heavy rain and flash flooding across northern Morocco, resulting in widespread evacuations and multiple fatalities. Power outages, infrastructure damage and road closures were reported across several northern provinces, including Larache, Kenitra, Sidi Kacem and Sidi Slimane.

APAC

By Ramya DilipKumar, Farhan Rafi and Lorenzo Trevisan

Southeast, South and East Asia experience the most tropical cyclone clusters worldwide. The Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Japan, Taiwan and China are particularly at risk. With an average of 20 typhoons per year, the Philippines is the country most affected by tropical cyclones in the world. In November 2025, the country was struck by back-to-back typhoons, Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan. The combined death toll of both typhoons in the Philippines amounted to 297 deaths, with hundreds of others injured and missing. Several airlines cancelled hundreds of flights across the country on 9-12 November 2025, with related road closures in Bicol and Central Luzon regions lasting for several more days. Around 1.5 million people were pre-emptively evacuated ahead of Uwan’s landfall, which carried maximum sustained winds of 185kph (114mph).

In April, Super Typhoon Sinlaku made landfall in the Northern Mariana Islands and affected Guam and Micronesia. Sinlaku, designated as a category 5 storm on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale (the strongest category), holds the title as the strongest cyclone globally since the start of 2026. At its peak, the storm produced maximum sustained winds of around 297kph (185mph). Sinlaku caused widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, travel disruptions, and the deaths of five people.

The tropical cyclone season in Australia generally lasts from November to April. An average of 11 tropical cyclones occur in the region annually, although only some of these reach the mainland. The 2025-26 cyclone season in the Oceania and South Pacific regions saw a series of strong tropical cyclones hitting the Australian coast and surrounding areas. The most powerful was Tropical Cyclone Maila, which strengthened to a category 5 between the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea (PNG) in early April, causing dozens of deaths and severe damage to homes, businesses and critical infrastructure, including emergency services. The storm triggered widespread power outages and disruptions to food and other essential supplies in parts of East New Britain province and Bougainville region in PNG. Tropical Cyclone Narelle hit multiple parts of northern Australia in March, causing major flooding and widespread economic damage. A similar scenario occurs in Tuvalu, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu, experiencing an average of six cyclones per year.

Tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean typically form between December and April, peaking from May to early November. The northern Indian Ocean is divided into two sub-basins: the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The countries most affected by these areas are India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, while Pakistan and Oman are occasionally affected. It has produced some of the world’s deadliest tropical cyclones, affecting densely populated areas. The last major tropical cyclone of the 2025 season occurred toward the end of the year, during the peak post-monsoon period. Cyclonic Storm Ditwah hit Sri Lanka and southern India in late November 2025. It was relatively weak but catastrophic, triggering severe flooding and more than 600 deaths.

AMER

By Diego Maloney, Marco Túlio Lara and Jesús Alejandro Aguilar Canché

The Caribbean Sea will remain an especially vulnerable region due to weather conditions that encourage the creation of natural disasters; the region endured 13 named storms, five hurricanes and four major hurricanes during 2025.

Among the most vulnerable countries are the Dominican Republic, Haiti, St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, Barbados, Cuba, St Lucia, Saint Vincent, Dominica and the Bahamas. Jamaica suffered the worst widespread destruction after Tropical Storm Melissa strengthened to a category 4 hurricane and triggered flight suspensions lasting up to six days in late October. Cuba represents a major concern for travel, with its inherent vulnerability of infrastructure constraints now exacerbated by an ongoing nationwide shortage of basic goods and supplies, spanning from electricity to fuel.

Not only will the island nations in the Caribbean Sea be affected by hurricane season, but coastal areas of North and Central America as well. Lackluster infrastructure and delayed responses have played a major role in the severity of disruptions seen across the United States (US), Mexico and Central America in recent years. Particularly strong hurricanes struck the southeastern US and both the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines of Mexico in 2025, with some areas still recovering as this year’s season approaches.

On the other hand, South America is usually not thought to be particularly affected by hurricanes or a significant tropical storm (a weaker stage of a hurricane). Nevertheless, the northern areas of South America, mainly Venezuela and Colombia, are at risk, and tropical storms have in recent years been reported with varying degrees of intensity and related consequences. In 2024, Hurricane Beryl caused fatalities and destroyed hundreds of homes in Venezuela’s Sucre state along the coast, while it also triggered flight suspensions in Sucre, Federal Dependencies and Nueva Esparta.

In 2022, Tropical Storm Julia triggered the imposition of movement restrictions on the island of San Andrés in Colombia, while in 2020, Hurricane Iota brought flight disruptions, power outages and flooding to San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina, Bolívar, Antioquia and Chocó departments. While not as frequently and severely affected as the wider Caribbean region or even Central and North America, people travelling in northern South America during the hurricane season must still be aware that they may be affected by tropical storms.

Hurricane season 2026

Travel impact

The impact of tropical cyclones varies from temporary disruptions to services to long-term infrastructure damage and economic losses. Power outages, strong winds and heavy rainfall can cause flight cancellations or delays, with major airports and international hubs grounding flights for multiple days. Road, rail and maritime transport may also be shut down, with communications rendered inoperable.

Authorities often issue evacuation or shelter-in-place orders ahead of the landfall of a significant tropical cyclone. When authorities do not call for evacuations, they may still impose movement restrictions in affected areas to prevent potential looting or other crimes. Regardless of the severity of these measures, they can significantly affect travellers’ plans, especially if they remain in place long-term.

In locations with less resilient infrastructure, recovery can take a long time. Damaged hotels, transport networks, businesses and tourist attractions may take weeks or months to rebuild, with wider consequences for local economies and tourism revenue. Sometimes, these effects are further prolonged by negative media coverage, which contributes to increased safety concerns even after the disaster. Subsequent adverse weather, such as heavy rainfall, and resultant disasters like floods and landslides, can further exacerbate or prolong disruptions.

Travel advice

Ensure informed decision-making when planning a trip

Avoid making travel plans to regions frequently affected by hurricanes, particularly coastal areas, during peak hurricane season.

Follow reliable sources, including government advisories, weather agencies and local news outlets. Early warning systems are commonly used in all locations. If you receive advisories from civil protection, follow all official directives.

Contact booking agents, hotels, car hire companies and other travel providers to find out about cancellations or changes to travel plans due to extreme weather conditions.

Buy travel insurance, as several contingencies could impact your travel plans, especially if heading to areas notoriously affected by extreme weather disasters. Some packages offer full coverage for the trip, while others provide refunds and compensation only for trip delays or interruptions, or credits and vouchers for future travel.

If a hurricane or cyclone approaches, threatening your accommodation during the trip, stay indoors and seek shelter. Secure the room by reinforcing windows and doors with shutters and clear outdoor areas to avoid objects that could cause damage.

Plan a direct route that leads you away from the path of the storm. Monitor changes in wind speed and direction. If authorities order an evacuation, leave immediately and follow all directives.

If a hurricane is approaching, make sure you have an adequate supply of bottled water, canned foods, sanitiser and medicine. Always charge phones and backup batteries in case of power outages.

These events can last for several consecutive days. Consider alternative routes in case roads or airports are closed or flights are cancelled by authorities.

During these emergencies, communication networks may be saturated. In extended blackouts, updates from local authorities can be accessed through mobile data or battery-powered devices. Depending on the severity of the damage, utility companies may take several days to restore power.

Multiple cyclones could strike in succession, leaving you stranded for days or weeks. Remote islands are typically connected with ferries or sea vessels, which are most likely out of service during adverse weather.

After a strong hurricane passes, especially if flooding has occurred, do not immediately venture outside your shelter, unless ordered otherwise. Remain inside your shelter, as live electrical wires may be down, and some buildings may be structurally unsafe. Make sure to confirm with authorities if an area is deemed safe.

Maintain good hygiene practices by washing your hands with soap or using sanitizer, especially if you have been in floodwater. Use bug spray to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. Make sure the running water supply is clean after flooding, as water infrastructure may be damaged and contaminated.

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Health

While devastating in their immediate impact, tropical cyclones also bring a wide range of health risks that can affect both travellers and local populations. Health risk mitigation should begin before departure, with travellers ensuring they are up to date on vaccinations, familiarising themselves with destination-specific health concerns and ensuring access to essential medications.

 

Once a tropical cyclone hits, the primary effects can be catastrophic, ranging from physical injuries to waterborne diseases. The aftermath can also lead to increased stress, anxiety and mental health challenges. Being aware of these potential health impacts, both physical and psychological, helps travellers avoid unnecessary risks.

Secondary health effects may persist for months. Following a tropical cyclone, conditions such as malaria, dengue fever and cholera may become more prevalent, while inadequate sanitation and overcrowded shelters can further exacerbate outbreaks. Prolonged exposure to damp conditions from water-damaged buildings can lead to respiratory issues, including asthma.

Medical supply chains and access to timely care can be significantly reduced in the aftermath of a tropical cyclone. Business travellers should proactively identify alternative care options, including assistance services coordinated through their travel insurance, corporate travel risk management programme, as well as telemedicine and remote medical support.

 
 

Health risk mitigation

Mitigating health risks is a crucial part of pre-travel planning. It involves acknowledging potential threats and taking proactive measures to stay protected. Travellers should undergo a pre-travel medical examination to ensure they are up to date with all routine vaccinations and any destination-specific immunisations, ideally at least four to six weeks before departure. Health assessments should also consider mental well-being, as stress, anxiety and other mental health challenges can be intensified in unfamiliar environments.

How can travellers best prepare?

Here are some key recommendations to ensure a safe trip.

Check health requirements and be aware of health risks

Ensure all travellers review destination-specific health documentation requirements in advance. Provide information on potential health risks at their destination, including preventive measures and guidance on what to do in case of illness. Diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and other vector-borne illnesses are common in many regions, so appropriate precautions, such as vaccinations, mosquito repellents and protective clothing, should be taken.

Confirm whether essential medicines are available over the counter, require a prescription or are restricted at the destination to avoid any last-minute issues. Travelling with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease may require additional planning.

Encourage travellers to carry a copy of their vaccination records to facilitate access to healthcare if needed. Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local healthcare facilities and pharmacies.

Ensure travellers carry prescription medications and essential health supplies, particularly those that may be difficult to source at the destination.

Comprehensive travel health insurance, covering medical emergencies and potential evacuation, should be arranged before departure.

In some regions, advanced healthcare may not be accessible outside major cities. Plan accordingly for emergency care if necessary. Ensure that travellers have a clear contingency plan in place for unexpected situations, including health emergencies, flight disruptions, or border closures due to disease outbreaks.

Before departure, travellers should identify appropriate healthcare options at their destination, including reputable private clinics, international medical facilities and emergency hospitals. Understanding when to rely on hotel assistance, insurance providers or embassy support can facilitate faster and more effective access to care in emergencies.

Track travel health notices from organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United Kingdom’s National Travel Health Network and Centre (TravelHealthPro), Australia’s Smart Traveller and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Stay informed using mobile applications such as the US Department of State’s Smart Traveler app for real-time alerts.

Travellers should ensure reliable digital connectivity, including roaming or local data access, to support the use of telemedicine services, health applications and real-time alerts. Stable internet access is essential for maintaining communication with insurers, healthcare providers and emergency assistance services.

Emphasise proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Advise travellers to be mindful of foodborne illnesses in regions with lower food safety standards. Produce should be thoroughly washed and warnings about consuming tap water must be followed.

Travellers should seek medical attention promptly if symptoms of illness arise, particularly after exposure to tropical environments. Early intervention is critical to prevent complications, especially in cases of fever, dehydration or suspected infectious disease.

Primary health effects

Each year, tropical cyclones cause thousands of deaths and significant damage to property and infrastructure. The WMO indicates that tropical cyclones were the leading cause of both reported human and economic losses between 1970 and 2021. Some 38 percent of the two million reported deaths from natural disasters in the same period were caused by tropical cyclones. Over 90 percent of fatalities occurred in developing countries. While mortality rates have fallen thanks to early warning systems, reported economic losses are rising due to the increasing frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones and the expansion of settlement in areas most at risk from impact.

According to the WHO, the health impacts of tropical cyclones depend on the number of people living in low-lying coastal areas in the storm’s path, the state of infrastructure and whether there is sufficient time for warning and evacuation. While the latter has improved, there is a growing risk of storms striking areas that have historically been spared the breadth and intensity of past impacts. Major hurricanes hitting the US in recent years have caught residents unprepared and severely damaged infrastructure not built to withstand them.

Tropical cyclones can affect the health and well-being of individuals and can have catastrophic impacts on healthcare systems. Primary health impacts include physical trauma caused by strong winds, debris, landslides and storm surges, or drowning in floods caused by storm surge or extreme rainfall. Additionally, flood waters may contain sewage and chemicals, sharp objects and electrical lines, or host dangerous wildlife, all of which can cause infections, waterborne diseases, electrocution and other physical injuries.

Emergency situations are also associated with increasing mental health effects, such as stress, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Hostility towards outsiders and looting may also occur in disaster areas. Travellers are at risk of being targeted for theft as well as possible detention by the authorities for not possessing residency, violating curfew or failing to obtain a permit to travel to or from the location. Monitoring local media and law enforcement bulletins will help travellers stay up to date with the latest developments. Such updates are often published on the social media pages of relevant agencies or accessed via an official application.

Acronyms:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)
  • World Health Organisation (WHO)

Secondary health effects

The health implications of tropical cyclones are often exacerbated by damage to critical infrastructure. Disruptions to power supplies and damage to roads inhibit emergency responses, while physical destruction of medical facilities can vastly restrict healthcare capabilities. Consequently, tropical cyclones may prompt an increase in all-cause mortality as general support and medical services are weakened.

Food insecurity: Tropical cyclones can also trigger food insecurity through immediate damage to agriculture and fishing infrastructure and long-term damage to local biodiversity. This poses a particular threat to developing countries, where food insecurity may often be a pre-existing issue and rebuilding efforts are heavily reliant on international aid.

Infectious diseases: The effects of tropical cyclones often increase the spread of infectious diseases for months after their initial impact. Across tropical countries, receding floodwaters may provide fertile breeding grounds for mosquitoes, fuelling the spread of malaria, dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis (JEV). Where resources are in place, the risk can often be managed through prevention, early diagnosis and effective treatment. However, when the crisis strikes less privileged areas, households are often required to cope on their own. Simultaneously, the destruction of local food and water supplies facilitates the spread of infectious diseases like cholera, melioidosis, impetigo and leptospirosis. Mass displacements due to residential damage also result in overcrowded emergency shelters, which allow diseases to thrive.

Mould hazard: Even after the complete passage of tropical cyclones, water-damaged buildings pose a lingering health hazard to occupants due to an increase in mould spores stemming from excessive dampness. Such conditions can result in the development and exacerbation of respiratory complications, including asthma. As persistent mould is more likely to plague older and less developed properties, excessive dampness presents a greater risk to poorer communities. Travellers should check the history of any long-term accommodation for past storm damage and repairs. Landlords should be prepared to provide this information upon request.

Healthcare access and continuity during disruptions

In the aftermath of a tropical cyclone, healthcare systems are often disrupted by damaged infrastructure, overwhelmed facilities and interruptions to medical supply chains. Essential medicines may become limited and access to timely care can be significantly reduced, particularly in severely affected areas.

Business travellers should anticipate these constraints and proactively identify alternative care options, such as private medical clinics, hotel- recommended providers and assistance services coordinated through their travel insurance or corporate travel risk management programme. Early contact with these services is recommended, as demand typically increases rapidly following a major weather event.

Where in-person care is limited, telemedicine and remote medical support can provide a critical continuity solution. Secure digital health platforms enable consultation with qualified medical professionals for diagnosis, prescriptions and follow-up care, helping to avoid unnecessary travel to overstretched facilities. Travellers should ensure that they have access to approved telehealth providers through their insurer or employer in advance.

Fitness to travel after illness or injury should be carefully assessed before resuming business activities or international travel. Factors such as infectious disease exposure, dehydration or physical trauma may require recovery time or medical clearance. Travellers should avoid returning to travel prematurely, as this may worsen their condition or delay recovery.

03

Safety

Travellers should have a comprehensive safety plan in place before the arrival of a tropical cyclone. Monitor the situation well in advance and establish appropriate emergency plans to ensure your safety and well- being.

 

Travellers are advised to monitor official meteorological websites, government directives and local media channels to stay updated on tropical cyclone information, especially since the system may rapidly intensify and unpredictably change directions. Understanding the various classifications and warning levels used in weather advisories is important.

The next step is to stay prepared to execute any directive from officials, such as evacuating or sheltering in place. Travellers should be ready with an emergency kit and follow safety procedures promptly. They should also identify potential disruptions to travel and services in advance and remain prepared for storm-related hazards, such as wind damage, flooding and health risks.

 

Emergency safety directives

The foremost step to ensure safety during tropical cyclones is to understand and follow guidelines from weather officials. Travellers should study the different aspects of relevant advisories or warnings, such as the intensity of winds, forecast track and impact area. Additionally, it is important to continuously monitor local weather bulletins, as they may change quickly due to the unpredictable nature of weather systems.

Another essential aspect of staying informed is to follow directives from local government officials. Pre-emptive local emergency orders are likely in regions frequently impacted by tropical cyclones. Evacuation warnings are usually issued at least several hours or even days in advance. Visitors are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with evacuation maps and consider voluntary evacuation if feasible. Those staying in mobile homes, other temporary housing units or flood-prone coastal areas are advised to evacuate in advance if the area is under threat.

Tropical cyclones can bring destructive winds, torrential rainfall, storm surges and severe flooding, even if they weaken ahead of landfall. Similar dangerous weather conditions, and even tornadoes, can occur far inland from where a tropical cyclone makes landfall. In some cases, it may be unsafe to evacuate, and people may be required to stay in place until the storm subsides.

Travellers should register for free government emergency alerts and use mobile phone applications that provide real-time storm tracking, evacuation routes and safety guidelines. They should familiarise themselves with emergency procedures specific to the destination, since evacuation protocols can vary. Hotels often provide evacuation guidance, including designated shelters and transportation options. Travellers should take note of their hotel’s emergency exits, as well as the location of the nearest embassy or consulate and emergency shelter.

 

Personal preparedness

Emergency kit

Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as water, nutritious snacks, a torch, spare batteries, a power bank, essential medications, a first aid kit and copies of important documents. It’s also advisable to carry cash and have backup travel plans in place.

Familiarise yourself with local evacuation routes and procedures. Opt for weather-resistant accommodation with strong emergency protocols. Upon arrival, review the hotel’s safety procedures and the locations of designated shelter areas. Choose hotels with reinforced infrastructure, reliable emergency protocols and backup power systems.

If you are unable to evacuate to a shelter during a tropical cyclone, stay indoors in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level of the building, or lie under a table or another sturdy object. Stay away from windows and glass doors. Secure all external doors. Keep curtains, blinds closed and all interior doors closed.

Know how to contact local emergency services and prepare for potential power outages or transport disruptions. Keep a list of emergency contacts, both local and from your organisation, handy. It is advisable to keep your contacts informed of your movement and plans in advance.

Keep track of tropical cyclone updates through dedicated weather apps, local news sources or hotel alerts.

Ensure your phone is fully charged, carry a backup power source and consider alternative communication methods such as satellite phones or messaging apps with offline capabilities.

Use waterproof storage for important items and pack weather-appropriate gear, including rain-resistant clothing, to stay dry and protected in adverse conditions.

Avoiding tropical cyclone-related risks

When a tropical cyclone hits, it is accompanied by various environmental hazards that can pose serious risks to safety. Identifying these hazards is crucial for safeguarding your well-being and ensuring a prompt response.

Strong winds: Strong winds regularly accompany tropical cyclones, ranging in intensity. Meteorological websites in countries with advanced tropical cyclone monitoring systems, such as the US National Weather Service (NWS) and Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, provide a wind scale that helps people assess the strength of winds and associated risks. For instance, the NWS categorises winds on a scale from 0 to 12, with ‘Hurricane Force’ winds at the highest level, capable of causing severe and widespread damage. During a windstorm, the safest course of action is to take shelter inside a sturdy building, staying in an interior room or cellar, away from windows.

Tornadoes: Tornadoes can sometimes accompany torrential rainfall and strong winds churned up during a tropical cyclone or even a weaker tropical storm. Signs of a tornado include a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris or a loud roar like a freight train. Lightning and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. Seek shelter away from windows in the interior part of a basement. In the absence of a basement, move to an interior, windowless room on the lowest floor (such as a hallway, bathroom or closet). Flying debris causes most deaths and injuries during a tornado. An exploding window can injure or kill. For added protection, cover your body with a blanket and take cover under a heavy table or workbench.

Fallen debris and disrupted services: Fallen trees, broken glass and other debris create additional hazards. Shops and eateries may shut down due to turbulent weather. Corporate travellers should also comply with company protocols regarding emergency evacuations and stay informed through updates from travel risk management providers.

Flooding: Flooding is one of the most common impacts of a tropical storm. Stay aware of your surroundings and be mindful of nearby bodies of water. Watch for rapidly rising water levels. If the water appears dark or brownish, it may be mixed with mud. Floodwaters can carry debris, which further complicates the situation.

Downed electrical wires and hazardous materials: In the immediate aftermath of a storm, downed electrical wires can electrify bodies of water, posing significant risks during clean-up and rescue efforts. Additionally, floodwaters may conceal sharp metal objects and other debris, making it crucial to carefully inspect flooded areas.

Wildlife encounters: Flooding may force aquatic mammals and reptiles into populated areas, which may increase the risk of injury. Exercise caution when navigating flooded zones, as animals may be disoriented and potentially dangerous.

Landslides: Landslides are more likely following a tropical cyclone due to the oversaturation of soil. Those in hilly or mountainous regions should watch for warning signs such as cracks or bulges in the ground or the faint sound of an approaching debris flow. Due to their unpredictable nature, travellers should avoid these areas and consider leaving in advance of the storm.

Contributors

Travel

Aidana Arynbek, Diego Maloney, Farhan Rafi, Jesús Alejandro Aguilar Canché, Lorenzo Trevisan, Marco Túlio Lara, Ramya DilipKumar, Roxana Dumitrescu and Ryan Rogers

Health

Eeva Ruuska and Nikita Billier

Safety

Ramya DilipKumar and Avantika Deb

Editors

Bumjoon Park, Paul Mutter and Gabriela Moura