Residents in communities throughout Hurricane Alley have been anxiously monitoring the Atlantic since the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an 85% chance of an above-average hurricane season from June 1 through November 30. Near record high ocean temperatures in the Atlantic, fueled by climate change and a shift to La Nina patterns in the Pacific, have created favorable conditions for an active and potentially dangerous Atlantic hurricane season.
The season kicked off with Tropical Storm Alberto, which impacted parts of northeast Mexico and south Texas. Alberto was just a teaser for what would become the earliest-ever Category 5 storm to develop in the Atlantic. Hurricane Beryl set its track in the Caribbean in late June, wreaking havoc as a major hurricane with direct and life-threatening impacts, first in Grenada before on to St. Vincent, the Grenadines, and Jamaica — wiping out some communities entirely.
The destruction in these small island nations from Hurricane Beryl highlights the environmental justice concerns of climate-fueled tropical storms and hurricanes in the Caribbean and Latin America. Despite contributing less than 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, this region is experiencing the brunt of climate change impacts, including stronger, more intense hurricanes at a disproportionate rate. Furthermore, these communities often have fewer resources and capacity to recover and rebuild after major storm events, further exacerbating the already devastating impacts of storms like Hurricane Beryl.
After leaving a wake of decimation in the Caribbean, Beryl shifted toward the Yucatán Peninsula and Texas. After bringing heavy rains to Mexico as a Category 2 hurricane, the storm slammed into the Texas coast as a Category 1 hurricane with fierce winds, powerful storm surge and flooding, and heavy rains that knocked out power to nearly 3 million homes and businesses.
In addition to the direct impacts from Beryl, Texans are suffering the compounding impacts of climate change. The life-threatening impacts of this storm and subsequent power outages have been further exacerbated by a dangerous heat wave, with heat indices in the triple digits throughout the region. Mere weeks before Beryl hit, Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula experienced up to four feet of storm surge from Tropical Storm Alberto, which made landfall nearly 400 miles away, yet significantly eroded beaches and weakened the dune systems there, degrading the natural protective barriers between the Gulf and landward development, and shrinking the public beach area.
How to Stay Safe this Hurricane Season
If you live in the Caribbean, or along the Atlantic seaboard or Gulf of Mexico, preparing for the Atlantic hurricane season (June 1- November 30) and staying vigilant can make a life-saving difference in the face of storms with increasing frequency and intensity. Here are some proactive measures to help you stay safe this hurricane season:
- Develop an Evacuation and Communications Plan: If you live somewhere at risk of hurricane impacts, make a plan for where you will go and how you will get there. Plan several different routes for different storm path scenarios and share that plan with your family and friends. Document emergency contacts, including utilities and other critical services, and remember that the internet may not be available during the next storm.
- Assemble Disaster Supplies: No matter if you are evacuating or sheltering in place, you need supplies to ride out the storm and service outages in its aftermath. A good rule of thumb is to have enough food, water, and medicine or prescriptions for each member of your family (including pets) for a minimum of two weeks on hand; yet for severe storms, you may need to have more provisions stocked up. Some states even allow for emergency 30-day prescription refills if your locality is under an active hurricane warning. In the event of long-term power outages and limited water supply, make sure to have extra cash, battery-powered radio, flashlights, portable water filters, and portable crank or solar USB chargers for cell phones. If you have a generator, make sure to keep up with maintenance and practice safe generator use.
- Prepare Your Home: If you haven’t already, now is the time to get your home ready for the next storm. Call your insurance company for a check-up to ensure you are covered to replace or repair your belongings and document your possessions in the event you need to provide them to your insurance company after a storm. Complete physical storm preparations including tree trimming and yard maintenance, installation of storm shutters, seal outside openings, and purchase any supplies you may need to shore up home defenses ahead of the next storm.
Visit the National Weather Service for more hurricane preparedness resources, and visit the National Hurricane Center for the latest storm information.
Financial Support for Communities and Islands Impacted by Hurricane Beryl
Texas
The Houston Food Bank has a disaster relief fund accepting monetary donations for food, water, and other necessary supplies. Once disaster needs are met, any remaining funds will help provide food for people facing hunger across southeast Texas. Donations can be made via the link or by texting "givehfb" to 41444.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is receiving cash donations for a disaster relief fund. The donations can be sent to account #137741 at the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in Kingstown, St. Vincent. The Swift Code is NCBVVC22. The islands’ government has also set up a website that will soon go live where people can donate.
Jamaica
Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management is accepting cash donations to account Number: 212-387-304 (Oxford Road Branch) of the National Commercial Branch.
American Friends of Jamaica is helping with both long-term and emergency recovery efforts. You can donate to their efforts here. To help Treasure Beach in particular, a community in southern Jamaica that was devastated by Beryl, indicate that your donation should be destined for that location.
Caribbean-Wide Relief
Airlink, a nonprofit that airlifts aid to disaster-stricken places, is collaborating with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency to get supplies to impacted islands and helping nonprofits overcome transportation challenges, and is accepting donations to fund this important work.
Caribbean Strong Relief Fund, a network of diaspora and community leaders in South Florida that have responded to hurricanes and other disasters in recent years, is taking donations to help those affected by the storm. You can donate and indicate that the donations are for Beryl relief.
GlobalGiving, a nonprofit that facilitates charity crowdfunding, has set up an emergency fund that will provide hurricane survivors with food, medicine, and temporary shelter, as well as support frontline workers with meals and gas.
World Central Kitchen announced it would have a presence in Antigua, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Sargent, Texas, and is accepting donations.