Tips for a Bahama Wedding During Hurricane Season
Each year, the official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. But just because there’s a higher incidence of rain and storms during these months doesn’t mean you should avoid a Wedding in the Bahamas during this time.
Summer weddings in the Bahamas are amazing. Late afternoon rain showers are normal and typically brief (lasting 15 to 30 minutes). And after a storm passes, the temperature drops slightly, and rain clouds stay low in the sky which produces vibrant and memorable sunsets.
Weddings in the Bahamas understands your day is special and will help you plan your ceremony so that it avoids historic times of the day when rain is expected. All wedding packages by Weddings in the Bahamas include a back-up weather plan. That means our team is not only ready with umbrellas, but also an alternate indoor location in case a rainstorm cannot be avoided during your planned outdoor ceremony.
August and September have the highest incidence of hurricane activity in the waters surrounding the Bahamas. And while news reports make it appear as if the Caribbean is under constant threat of a major storm during the Atlantic hurricane season, there actually have only been six hurricanes to directly hit the Bahamas in the last 22 years.
Storm Categories:
Tropical storms are categorized in the following progression:
- Tropical depression: sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less
- Tropical storm: sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph
- Category 1 hurricane: sustained winds of 74-95 mph
- Category 2 hurricane: sustained winds of 96-110 mph
- Category 3 hurricane: sustained winds of 111-129 mph
- Category 4 hurricane: sustained winds of 130-156 mph
- Category 5 hurricane: sustained winds of 157+ mph
Weather Advisories:
Storm advisories warn residents and travelers of impending danger from severe weather. They will be issued in this manner:
- Tropical storm ALERT: Within 48 hours, a tropical storm (34-73 mph) is likely to hit.
- Tropical storm WATCH: Within 36 hours, tropical storm (34-73 mph) is likely to hit.
- Tropical storm WARNING: Within 24 hours, tropical storm (34-73 mph) is likely to hit.
- Tropical storm ALL CLEAR: The storm has left the area, but caution should prevail.
- Hurricane ALERT: Within 48 hours, a hurricane (winds over 73 mph) is likely to hit.
- Hurricane WATCH: Within 36 hours, a hurricane (winds over 73 mph) is likely to hit.
- Hurricane WARNING: Within 24 hours, a hurricane (winds over 73 mph) is likely to hit.
- Hurricane ALL-CLEAR: The hurricane has left the area, but caution should prevail. You must wait to hear an all-clear.
Mother nature may be unpredictable, but Weddings in the Bahamas is not. We guarantee to keep you safe with a temporary location to wait out a storm until it passes or an alternate venue to proceed with the ceremony if it does not. In rare cases when a hurricane is predicted to hit the island, we will work to negotiate change orders and/or refunds with vendors and help you secure new dates of service.
The Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association and the Ministry of Tourism work with businesses to ensure all are adequately prepared to handle the impact of hurricanes and natural disasters.
For this reason, most hotels in the Bahamas have adopted a hurricane cancellation policy that provides for a full or partial refund in cases of cancellation due to an evacuation order or delayed arrival caused by a hurricane.
Modern building design and regulations governing construction and building codes in the Bahamas reflect high standards. As such, most buildings constructed in this century can withstand hurricane force winds and severe flooding.
Contact Weddings in the Bahamas to discuss your wedding ideas during hurricane season toll free at 1-877-232-5854 or email.
