Hurricane tips

[itsmysecondtime]

This may sound a bit too ominous for the forum; however we find it important enough a topic to risk alienating a few members.

We'd like to develop some sort of a plausible plan that would give us some realistic guidance as to how to deal with the unwanted yet probable contingency of facing a hurricane or major tropical storm while down in the Riviera Maya.

Which steps need to be considered first? What support can we expect from the AI resorts?

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks

[synestere]

Not too sure about the A 1 s ............. personally , I will haul ass to Chetumal or Merida .

[PlayadelSoul]

Hurricanes develop. You can watch the development through many media outlets, including TV and the internet. If you are visiting, my advice would be to get out a couple days in advance. Too many tourists want to think that the hurricane will turn and miss the area, and thus, wait too long. At a certain point, it is impossible to leave.

AI's will do what they can to protect yo; but, in the long run, it is your responsibility. Get travel insurance and don't roll the dice. synestre's advice is OK, but I have been in a cat 4 in Merida, as well. The peninsula is too small to escape, completely. It is better to go home, while you can.

[denisea]

Last year at the onset of Hurricane Wilma, I put together a thread, titled Hurricane Web Site Links, that you might find informative. It provides hurricane web site links that relate to the area and includes links to the Government of Solidaridad's (Playa del Carmen) storm preparation and refuge center web pages. Of course, during such an event, Playa.Info also provides round the clock coverage storm coverage via it's network of local resources.

[beer_dude]

The biggest thing I have heard is HAVE CASH. The ATM's run out quickly and if you have cash, you can get food, services etc. The best advice is get out before it hits. Why take chances.

[itsmysecondtime]

Originally Posted by PlayadelSoul

Hurricanes develop. You can watch the development through many media outlets, including TV and the internet. If you are visiting, my advice would be to get out a couple days in advance. Too many tourists want to think that the hurricane will turn and miss the area, and thus, wait too long. At a certain point, it is impossible to leave.

AI's will do what they can to protect yo; but, in the long run, it is your responsibility. Get travel insurance and don't roll the dice. synestre's advice is OK, but I have been in a cat 4 in Merida, as well. The peninsula is too small to escape, completely. It is better to go home, while you can.

Thanks PLayadelSoul,
You say that at a certain point it becomes impossible to leave. At which point does it become too late to leave? When does the airport shut down? Thanks

[itsmysecondtime]

Originally Posted by denisea

Last year at the onset of Hurricane Wilma, I put together a thread, titled Hurricane Web Site Links, that you might find informative. It provides hurricane web site links that relate to the area and includes links to the Government of Solidaridad's (Playa del Carmen) storm preparation and refuge center web pages. Of course, during such an event, Playa.Info also provides round the clock coverage storm coverage via it's network of local resources.

Thanks denisea,
The thread was very informative, really appreciated. Either I missed the link or part of some site, but there seems to be nothing about Playacar in terms of designated refuge centers. Am I missing something?
Also could you elaborate on what you'd consider reasonable precautionary measures in case a hurricane/tropical storm hits the area? I.e. food, communications equip., maps, contacts, evacuation plans, etc...

[itsmysecondtime]

Originally Posted by beer_dude

The biggest thing I have heard is HAVE CASH. The ATM's run out quickly and if you have cash, you can get food, services etc. The best advice is get out before it hits. Why take chances.

Thanks beer_dude,
That sounds like a great idea indeed. Money in hand sounds like a clever approach, and I presume you're talking pesos, not dollars.
As for the more prudent approach of getting out ahead of the storm, when do you determine thta it's time to check out and hit the road? With all the variation and questionable predictability assoacited with current storm models, it becomes a guessing game as to whether a storm will head east or west. Any suggestions? How do you decide in these situations? Thanks

[itsmysecondtime]

Originally Posted by PlayadelSoul

Hurricanes develop. You can watch the development through many media outlets, including TV and the internet. If you are visiting, my advice would be to get out a couple days in advance. Too many tourists want to think that the hurricane will turn and miss the area, and thus, wait too long. At a certain point, it is impossible to leave.

AI's will do what they can to protect yo; but, in the long run, it is your responsibility. Get travel insurance and don't roll the dice. synestre's advice is OK, but I have been in a cat 4 in Merida, as well. The peninsula is too small to escape, completely. It is better to go home, while you can.

Thanks PlayadelSoul,
We've taken care of the travel insurance part, a very prudent step to take indeed. Now about the Merida experience during a cat 4, how bad was that? Any significant elevations in Merida to escape the flooding? Any structures/hotels sturdy enough to withstand the abuse of a cat 5? How long before hotels fill up in such conditions? How did you manage it? Thanks

[PlayadelSoul]

You never know for sure, until it arrives. Models these days seem to be very accurate. When you see most of them in agreement, get out. The airport usually closes a day before the hurricane is supposed to hit, depending on its size. I would get going as soon as I saw agreement in two of the models or if Dr. Jeff Masters said to.

It all comes down to common sense. Pay attention to the news, and insure your trip. Don't expect too many people to go out of their way to help you (although many will), as they will be taking care of their families and property. Shelters will keep you safe, but they are definitely not a vacation.

[itsmysecondtime]

Originally Posted by synestere

Not too sure about the A 1 s ............. personally , I will haul ass to Chetumal or Merida .

Thanks synestere,
Sounds like a good idea. Have you ever done that? If so how was it? Lodging, shelters, were they safe enough? Any additional tips?

[Cosmo]

When in doubt, get out. We were there for Mitch and caught the last flight out to the states. A good tip - when the beer trucks start hauling goods inland it's time to go! Use good sense...

[itsmysecondtime]

Originally Posted by PlayadelSoul

You never know for sure, until it arrives. Models these days seem to be very accurate. When you see most of them in agreement, get out. The airport usually closes a day before the hurricane is supposed to hit, depending on its size. I would get going as soon as I saw agreement in two of the models or if Dr. Jeff Masters said to.

It all comes down to common sense. Pay attention to the news, and insure your trip. Don't expect too many people to go out of their way to help you (although many will), as they will be taking care of their families and property. Shelters will keep you safe, but they are definitely not a vacation.

Thanks PlayadelSoul,
Sounds like a good resourse to keep in mind, the undreground weather guru; sounds like wise advice. Particularly with the fact that we're bringing a 3yo toddler. No room for second guessing these devastating monsters.

[itsmysecondtime]

Originally Posted by Cosmo

When in doubt, get out. We were there for Mitch and caught the last flight out to the states. A good tip - when the beer trucks start hauling goods inland it's time to go! Use good sense...

Thanks Cosmo,
So just follow the beer trucks and you'll be fine uh? That sounds OK to me. If I get all plastered wet at least it won't be all water. But on the serious side, the point is well taken. Better be safe than sorry. I'll just have to keep a close eye on those beer trucks.

[itsmysecondtime]

Originally Posted by Cosmo

When in doubt, get out. We were there for Mitch and caught the last flight out to the states. A good tip - when the beer trucks start hauling goods inland it's time to go! Use good sense...

Hey Cosmo,
Just noticed that you've arrived. How is the weather back there? Are you in PDC or elsewhere? How's TD Alberto affecting the area?
Those beer trucks still around?