Travel
Tourists issued fresh US travel warning for the rest of 2024 – holidaymakers told to ‘follow instructions from local authorities’
Britons have been given a US hurricane warning for the remainder of the year.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) told holidaymakers: “The Atlantic hurricane season normally runs from June to November. The Pacific hurricane season normally runs from May to November.
“Hurricanes can affect coastal regions, Hawaii and Guam. The South Pacific tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to May and can affect American Samoa.
“The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that there is a very high likelihood of an ‘above-normal Atlantic hurricane season’ in 2024.”
Hawaii is a paradisical holiday destination
GETTY IMAGES
Indeed, NOAA’s update reads: “NOAA National Weather Service forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center predict above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year.
“NOAA’s outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, predicts an 85 per cent chance of an above-normal season, a 10 per cent chance of a near-normal season and a 5 per cent chance of a below-normal season.” Holidaymakers can consult NOAA for further information.
The FCDO continued: “Travellers to the USA during the hurricane season should check the websites of local, State and Federal agencies (such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) for the latest conditions.”
Britons considering a trip to the USA have been advised to take three actions.
Holidaymakers must monitor approaching storms on the US National Hurricane Center website, follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders, and visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website for information on preparing for extreme weather and evacuating.
In its extreme weather and natural disaster advice for the USA, the FCDO also provided information on snowstorms, earthquakes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions and wildfires.
Snowstorms
The FCDO warned: “Snowstorms can disrupt critical infrastructure and cause power cuts, or delays and cancellations in major transport hubs. Contact your travel company or airline before you travel.”
Earthquakes
The FCDO advised: “While earthquakes can happen anywhere without warning in the US, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington and the entire Mississippi River Valley are at higher risk for earthquakes.
“The FEMA website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.”
Tornadoes
Holidaymakers were told: “Tornadoes can happen at any time depending on weather conditions. The FEMA website has advice about what to do before, during and after a tornado.”
Volcanic eruptions
The FCDO said: “There is volcanic activity across parts of the US with Alaska, Hawaii, California, Washington and Oregon having the largest number of active volcanoes. You should follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
“The FEMA website has advice about what to do before, during and after a volcanic eruption.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Guam is another beautiful holiday destination
GETTY IMAGES
Wildfires
Britons were advised: “Forest and brush fires (wildfires) are a danger in many dry areas, particularly in canyons, hills and forests. High winds can mean fires spread rapidly.
“You should monitor local media and weather reports, follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders and be careful in areas recently affected by wildfires, as there may be mudslides during heavy rainfall.
“For more information visit the National Interagency Fire Center and Fire Research and Management Exchange System websites. For information about wildfires in California, see the CAL FIRE website.”
Britons heading to the USA should also consult the FCDO for up-to-date information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, health and getting help.