As the 2025 hurricane season ramps up, the Government of Canada is urging travellers to be vigilant when visiting regions prone to tropical storms.
Officials warn that while individual weather conditions—heat, humidity, wind, and water—can make for perfect sailing, they can quickly escalate into deadly hurricanes when combined.
Recent years have demonstrated the growing intensity and frequency of severe storms.
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“Harvey, Ian, Sandy, Irma and Katrina … all these major hurricanes caused significant destruction and claimed a large number of victims,” noted Global Affairs Canada in a statement.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, while the Pacific season begins earlier, on May 15.
Citing last year’s data, officials emphasized that 2024 saw 18 named tropical storms in the Atlantic, 11 of which developed into hurricanes—five of them classified as major. Five storms made landfall in 2024, significantly surpassing the historical average of 1.7 landfalls per year between 1991 and 2020.
The 2025 season is expected to be similarly active, with forecasts predicting 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and up to 5 major hurricanes.
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“When a tropical storm warning is issued, the risk level for a destination may be adjusted to advise against non-essential travel,” reads the advisory.
Ottawa is encouraging Canadians to take eight key steps before and during travel to hurricane-prone regions:
Monitor travel advisories for up-to-date warnings, particularly under the Natural disasters and climate section at Travel.gc.ca.
Register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad to receive emergency updates.
Follow Travel.gc.ca on social media for ongoing safety alerts.
Record the nearest Canadian office's contact information in your destination.
Prepare for disruptions, including delays, power outages, and emergency shelter-in-place scenarios.
Review your travel insurance, ensuring coverage for weather-related cancellations or emergencies.
Rely on official sources for emergency updates, avoiding misinformation during crises.
Consult the Severe storms outside Canada resource for detailed preparedness tips.
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“Remember that, in the event of a hurricane, you could face serious safety risks,” the statement reads.
Ignoring government advisories could also jeopardize insurance coverage.
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