The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the Hurricane Season which lasts through November 2023 and regularly affects coastal parts of Canada.
Hurricane Season in the Atlantic begins June 1 and runs through November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center expects the 2023 season to be above-normal. The season has already produced eight named storms as of August 25, 2023. NOAA predicts that the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season will produce:
- 14 to 21 storms
- 6 to 11 hurricanes
- 2 to 5 major hurricanes
In Canada, hurricanes most commonly affect the Atlantic provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as eastern Quebec. Among the powerful storms to make landfall in Atlantic Canada in the last twenty years were Fiona (2022), Larry (2021), Dorian (2019), Igor (2010), and Juan (2003).
What can you do ahead of Hurricane Season?
Get ready:
- Review guidance and forecasts from the Canadian Hurricane Centre.
- Organize a kit of essential items in a waterproof container, including: Bottled water, any medications taken regularly, non-perishable food, battery powered radio, and vital documents – especially passports.
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), NOAA, and Public Safety Canada have additional tips on their websites:
- Enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates. Encourage your friends and family to register as well if they plan to travel outside of the United States.
Stay informed:
- Monitor Environment Canada’s public weather alerts for your area.
- Monitor local radio, local media, the National Hurricane Center, and the Canadian Hurricane Centre to be aware of weather developments.
- Monitor provincial and territorial Emergency Management Organizations’ guidance.
- Inform your friends and family of your whereabouts. Remain in close contact with your tour operator, hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions during a weather emergency.
- Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness can be found on the Department’s Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Cyclones webpage.
Assistance:
To contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulates General in Canada, please find the location closest to you here.
Follow us on Social Media.
Contact the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs:
1-888-407-4747 toll-free from the United States and Canada
1-202-501-4444 from other countries or follow on Twitter and Facebook
Canada’s Country Information Page
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates.
Visit Ready.Gov for information on emergency preparedness.
