Hurricanes and Curacao?

[Diver Lori]

Is Curacao in the typical hurricane track? We're thinking of going this summer and were wondering if we would be sitting on pins & needles all summer long watching the hurricane maps!

We went to Turks & Caicos a few summers ago and they bragged that they are hurricane proof, one never comes here, we've not ever had issues, etc. Well, they got hit last year. Guess they jinxed themselves.....

Anyway, what are the odds? Pardon my ignorance today if need be.

Thanks!!

 

[reefdiva]

Is Curacao in the typical hurricane track? We're thinking of going this summer and were wondering if we would be sitting on pins & needles all summer long watching the hurricane maps!

We went to Turks & Caicos a few summers ago and they bragged that they are hurricane proof, one never comes here, we've not ever had issues, etc. Well, they got hit last year. Guess they jinxed themselves.....

Anyway, what are the odds? Pardon my ignorance today if need be.

Thanks!!

Curacao is below the "usual" hurricane belt. We have been to Curacao twice in the summer and to it's neighbor, Bonaire" for 5 summer trips and never worried. I say, go ahead and plan it!

 

[Damselfish]

Curacao (like Bonaire) occasionally has something come close but it's fairly unusual and probably weaker systems when it does, so it should be a pretty hurricane-worry-free summer destination.

Anyone who said T&C is hurricane proof was lying or kidding themselves, unlike the ABCs it is very much in the hurricane zone.

 

[diversteve]

You should be safe, Curacao has only recorded 12 major storms since 1851.
(TS=Tropical Storm - H#=Hurricane + Strength)

TS:7
H2:5

For the same period, Grand Turk numbers are significantly higher, proving Damselfish's point:

TS:28
H1:8
H2:7
H3:5
H4:4
H5:1

You can look up any other Caribbean destination here:Climatology of Caribbean Hurricanes

 

[Kukuisa]

see next post

 

[Kukuisa]

Yes, and the last one, Felix, missed Curacao on his path 80 kilometers north of the island. Because of that northern path the dammage was minimal. The sea stayed rough for a few day, but the next weekend we were in the water again.

 

[ScubaBOS]

The ABC's (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) are considered outside the "Hurricane Belt."
I talked to someone at a Caribbean weather station and they said for them, that means any place that has less then 2 hurricanes in 100 years.

The ABC's have had a few brushes, but it's been a long time since they've taken a direct hit.

 

[muzicgirl]

I can't believe anyone would say Turks and Caicos are hurricane free...the are right in the warpath below the bahamas!! I would consider the ABC islands safe though..we have been there 2 times in september without worry.

 

[Diver Lori]

The fellow that said that T&C was hurricane proof was the instructor from the dive operation we used. I hesitate to mention the name of the op as it's not their fault the guy is a boob.

 

[fisheyeview]

I would not worry. Now if you really want to take a risk book Cozumel in October.