Hurricane season in Aruba starts in the beginning of June and stops in the end of November.

The meteorological department of Aruba is forecasting different tropical storms that can potentially turn into hurricanes this season. Each storm is different, and whether they will hit Aruba directly is not sure.

An average of 15 tropical storms develop during the hurricane season in Aruba. However, only about 7 of those tropical storms turn into hurricanes.

The good news is Aruba rarely gets hit directly by a hurricane, because the island is outside of the hurricane belt – however, the effects of tropical storms and hurricanes are felt on the island.

Most people travel to Aruba during the hurricane season because flights and hotels are cheaper, and because Aruba is outside of the hurricane belt, so they know it’s going to be pretty safe here on the island.

What should you do if you’re on the island, and there’s a hurricane or tropical storm watch in Aruba?

If you have no idea how to prepare for a storm watch in the Caribbean, follow the safety precaution and tips in this article!

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Article Updated June 20, 2017

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The Weather During Hurricane Season in Aruba

Aruba is usually sunny. However, during the hurricane season it can change very quickly from sunny to cloudy. The wind can get stronger, the beaches get rough and waves can be more than a meter high.

Dangers During Hurricane Season in Aruba

Hurricanes can cause a lot of destruction. They can cause dangerous situations like…

• Torrential rains.
• Flooding.
• Strong winds. 
• Storm surge destroying shorelines.

When it rains in Aruba due a tropical storm, various area’s around the island get flooded with water. To assure your safety stay, stay inside your resort and avoid driving your rental car if you don’t have to.

Alarms During Hurricane Season in Aruba

In Aruba there are 2 alarms for hurricane or tropical storms.

1. Hurricane watch
   A hurricane watch means that within 48 hours the effect of a nearby hurricane can be felt. This is the first phase. And it remains until any potential threat is removed.
2. Hurricane warning
   Phase 2 is a hurricane warning. At this point a hurricane is inevitable and expected to hit within 36 hours.

Ways To Alert Locals

It’s important to stay up to date about tropical storm activities taking place, well ahead of time before they come close to Aruba.

Nowadays, you can stay updated by following the news on TV, radio, social media for all you need to know about tropical storm watches.

Aruba’s prime minister gives a press conferences, and informs all locals on the developments from the storms close to Aruba’s region.

The department of disaster management has a new first responder notification system for smartphone users. The app is called Alert FM and it’s an easy way to stay informed about any dangerous storms heading our way.

You can download the app on your phone.

Essential Things You Need During Hurricane Season in Aruba

During hurricane season in Aruba you should have…

• A first aid kit.
• A portable (battery operated) AM/AF radio.
• Flashlights (and extra batteries) and candles (and matches).
• A can-opener.
• Paper or plastic utensils.
• One gallon of water per person for 3 days.
• Prescription medicine.
• Cash.
• Fire extinguisher.

What To Do When a Storm is Approaching

If you’re staying at a rental home or hotel, ask management for possible safe places.

Have an evacuation plan and be ready to leave if necessary.

When a hurricane watch or warning is issued you should…

• First and foremost, remain calm. 
• Monitor local media.
• Prepare to leave in the event of an evacuation order.
• Store (canned or packaged) food and water for a few days.
• Fill the fuel tank of your car.
• Park your car away from trees and light poles.
• Get extra supply of your must use medicine.
• Buy extra batteries for your radio and flashlights. 

What To Do During A Hurricane

During the hurricane you should stay inside. You’re safer inside than if you go outside.

• Monitor the radio for information and updates.
• Stay away from glass windows and doors.
• Only use your phone for emergency (short calls)

Don’t go outside until you get a clear sign to do so via authorities.

What To Do After A Hurricane Has Passed

Stay inside and… 

• Listen to the radio for a clear sign that the hurricane has passed.
• In the case you’ve been hurt or got ill get help at nearest medical post.
• Use bottled water for cooking.
• Boil water before drinking, because water supplies can be contaminated.
• If you smell gas, turn it off. Open all windows (leave premise if possible)
• If the power goes out, eat food out the fridge first.
• Proceed to eat food in the freezer and than canned and packaged food.
• If you see sparks or smell something burning, turn off the electricity.
• Be careful with electrical wires hanging low, lying on the ground or in the water.
• Don’t use tap water or the bathroom if water and sewage pipes are damaged.
• Check if people in around you are okay, if not offer assistance.
• Be careful when driving. Flooded roads might be deeper than you think. 

Here are some important phone numbers…

• Emergency number – 911
• Police – 100
• Fire Department – 529 11 08
• Red Cross – 582 22 19 

If you cut yourself…

• Keep calm.
• Clean the wound with water and disinfectant (or soap).
• Close the wound with a shirt or gauze.

If you have been ordered to evacuate, you should wait for an official sign before you return to your accommodation.

Always protect yourself if you’re traveling during hurricane season in Aruba.

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