Weather Alert: Hurricane Beryl (July 2, 2024)
Location: Guatemala
Event: Per the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Beryl is forecast to remain a powerful hurricane as it moves across the Caribbean Sea later this week. It is expected to pass over northern Guatemala early morning on Friday, July 5, 2024. The storm is likely to lead to heavy rains over Central America and western Mexico for several days, which could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, especially in areas of mountainous terrain and coastal areas. Tropical-force-winds are also possible. The track and evolution of Hurricane Beryl can be monitored via https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ and https://conred.gob.gt/huracan-beryl/ .
When traveling in Guatemala, please follow the suggested actions to take listed below as the threat of extreme weather and natural disasters can impact road conditions at any time, particularly during the rainy season. Be aware that in the event of heavy rain, a tropical storm, or a hurricane, you may not be able to depart the area for 24-48 hours or longer. Roads may be washed out or obstructed by debris, adversely affecting access to airports and land routes out of affected areas. Looting and sporadic violence in the aftermath of natural disasters is not uncommon, and security personnel may not always be available to assist.
In an emergency, U.S. Embassy personnel are not first responders. Guatemala has a dedicated tourism assistance program (called ASISTUR ) whose sole mission is to assist and protect foreign tourists in Guatemala. ASISTUR’s emergency call center – staffed with Spanish and English speakers – may be contacted 24/7 by calling 1500 from a Guatemalan phone number or or +502-2290-2810. You may also contact ASISTUR by WhatsApp at +502-5188-1819. A complete list of ASISTUR’s contacts, including by Department, is found here .
Actions to Take:
- Monitor local media as well as the websites of CONRED (Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres), INSIVUMEH (Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología), and PROVIAL (La Dirección General de Protección y Seguridad Vial) for updated weather, road, and hazard information.
- Monitor the National Hurricane Center (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ ) to be aware of weather developments and the movement of the storm.
- Inform your friends and family of your whereabouts and let them know you are safe. Remain in close contact with your tour operator, hotel staff and local officials for evacuation instructions during a weather emergency.
- Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Avoid traveling while heavy rains occur as roads can quickly become extremely unsafe.
- Cautiously use navigation applications that provide directions as certain detours or alternate routes from main roads and highways can lead to unsafe areas or roads affected by flooding or landslides.
- Prepare an emergency supply kit (ready.gov ).
- Obtain travel insurance to cover unexpected expenses, including health emergencies and evacuations. If a situation requires an evacuation from an overseas location, the U.S. Department of State may work with commercial airlines to ensure that U.S. citizens can depart as safely and efficiently as possible. Under U.S. law, any evacuation costs are your responsibility.
- Organize a kit of essential items in a waterproof container, including: bottled water, any medications taken regularly, non-perishable food, battery powered radio, vital documents – especially passports.
- Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness can be found on the Department’s “Crisis and Disaster Abroad: Be Ready ” webpage.
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and NOAA have additional tips on their websites:
o https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
o http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Guatemala City, Guatemala
Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zone 16
Website: https://gt.usembassy.gov/
Phone: (502) 2354-0000
Email: U.S. Citizens Services Navigator
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
Visit the Guatemala Country Information and Travel Advisory page
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
Visit Ready.Gov for information on emergency preparedness.
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