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General Information
 Hurricane Howard - 2004 (GOES-10 Imagery) The Pacific Hurricane/Typhoon Seasons are May 15 - November 30 for the eastern Pacific (western Mexico, Baja California, California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Alaska, Russia); June 1 - November 30 for the central Pacific (western Mexico, western Latin America, Hawaii, Polynesia, Micronesia, central Pacific islands); October 15 - May 15 for the southwest Pacific/Australian basin; and year-round for the northwest Pacific basin.
| Tip: | Typhoons are also called baguios in and around The Phillippines. |
Many couples love the beautiful islands that dot the Pacific Ocean. These areas are perfect for destination weddings and honeymoon getaways. However, many couples worry that their plans may be truncated by a hurricane or severe tropical weather event. Couples should keep in mind that hurricanes are actually rare weather events. Even so, it is always best to plan ahead and to see when the best times are for visiting these areas. It should also be noted that these areas are very well-prepared for dealing with severe weather events so even if severe tropical weather does "rain on your parade", chances are your hosting venue will have a plan in place to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
| Tip: | If you want an excellent deal on lodging and events, then going to these areas during hurricane season my give you better discounts on hotels, restaurants, and transportation. |
When & Where Hurricanes/Typhoons Hit
Because of water temperature variables, continental weather systems, and other climatological circumstances, hurricanes/typhoons have historical tracks that they tend to take at different times of the year.
Always keep in mind that hurricanes/typhoons are rare events. The probability of you experiencing a hurricane, even during the heart of hurricane season, is still fairly low.
Understanding Hurricane/Typhoon Maps
 A tropical advisory map from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
For the best up-to-the-minute hurricane/typhoon information, try the Joint Typhoon Warning Center first. They have clear maps and up-to-the-minute hurricane/typhoon information for the Pacific. Tropical Storm Risk is another comprehensive site for threatening tropical systems worldwide.
You may also want to visit these sites based on the geographic location:
Other good online weather resources are World Meteorological Association, The Weather Channel and Weather Underground.
 Cut-out of NHC Pacific hurricane/typhoon advisory map
The orange circle with the black dot indicates the current location of the hurricane's/typhoon's eye. As seen in the explained advisory box below, the red outlined areas indicate areas which are currently under a hurricane/typhoon warning. The blue outlined areas indicate a tropical storm warning. The pink outlined areas indicate a hurricane/typhoon watch and the yellow areas indicate areas under a tropical storm watch.
Understanding Hurricane/Typhoon Advisories
 Sample NHC graphical advisory box
- This is the name of the storm, the date and time of the advisory.
- This shows the current maximum sustained wind, which is used to categorize the hurricane/typhoon on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The next line shows how fast the storm is moving and in which direction.
- A hurricane/typhoon warning means that hurricane/typhoon conditions will occur in the warning area in about 24 hours. Evacuation orders should be heeded and hurricane preparations should be rushed to completion.
- A hurricane/typhoon watch means that hurricane/typhoon conditions are possible in the specified area and usually within 36 hours.
- A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions will occur in the warning area in about 24 hours. Storm preparations should be rushed to completion.
- A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified area and usually within 36 hours.
Hurricane/Typhoon Intensities
Hurricane/typhoon intensities are measured by the wind speed of the storm according to the Saffir-Simpson Scale.
- Category 1 - (Minor hurricane/typhoon, 74-95 mph/64-82 knots/119-153 Kph) - No real damage to building structures. Damage primarly to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Also, some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.
- Category 2 - (96-110 mph/83-95 knots/154-177 Kph) - Some roofing material, door, and window damage to buildings. Considerable damage to vegetation, mobile homes, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.
- Category 3 - (Major hurricane/typhoon, 111-130 mph/96-113 knots/178-209 Kph) - Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Mobile homes are destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain continuously lower than 5 feet ASL (at sea level) may be flooded inland 8 miles or more.
- Category 4 - (Severe hurricane/typhoon, 131-155 mph/114-135 knots/210-249 Kph) - More extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof strucutre failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain continuously lower than 10 feet ASL (at sea level) may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas inland as far as 6 miles.
- Category 5 - (Severe hurricane/typhoon, 155+ mph/136+ knots/250+ Kph) - Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet ASL (at sea level) and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5 to 10 miles of the shoreline may be required.
Travel Tips
- Be sure the resort where you are staying has an inclement weather plan.
- Make sure everything you buy is refundable: plane tickets, cruise tickets, etc.
- If you are travelling to a foreign country, be sure to maintain contact with your home country's embassy there. Some countries will have forced evacuation of non-citizens during natural disasters.
- Bring waterproof containers to store your important paper documents such as passports, traveler's cheques, etc.
- Watch the weather closely. Formulate an emergency plan should weather conditions deteriorate.
- Always let someone who will not be traveling with you know of your location, emergency numbers, etc.
- Bring extra cellular phone batteries or a device capable of charging cellular phones without electricity.
External Links & Sources
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