Foreign Office issues US travel hurricane update with vital safety information

Brits heading to the United States are being urged to check the latest Foreign Office guidance after it refreshed the hurricane season advice. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) drew attention to the change in a post on X, pointing travellers to the GOV.UK travel advice pages for the latest information.

The safety page explains when hurricanes are most likely to occur and which areas can be affected. The FCDO notes that the Atlantic hurricane season usually runs from June to November, while the Pacific season tends to last from May to November.

It adds that hurricanes can also impact Hawaii and Guam, and that the South Pacific tropical cyclone season typically runs from November to May, which can affect American Samoa. In its guidance, the FCDO points travellers to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the latest seasonal outlooks and forecasts.

According to the update, the seasonal outlook predicts a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season and an above-normal hurricane season in the central Pacific basin, including the waters around Hawaii in 2026.

Anyone travelling during hurricane season is advised to keep an eye on official updates and local warnings, as conditions can change quickly. The FCDO says people should check information from local, state and federal agencies such as NOAA and the US National Hurricane Center, and be prepared for possible disruption to flights and other transport services.

Travellers are also reminded to follow instructions from local authorities, which may include evacuation orders in some locations. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has advice online about preparing for extreme weather and what to do if you need to leave an area at short notice.

The Foreign Office also publishes general safety advice for travellers. The guide points out that 'no travel can be guaranteed safe.' However, travellers can be prepared by following FCDO advice.

The guidance covers essentials such as travel insurance, as well as more specific safety risks, including those associated with outdoor activities like hiking and winter sports. Brits should also be aware of extreme weather events that are more common in the US, such as snowstorms and earthquakes.

Travellers can find more information from FCDO online (stock photo) (Image: Getty)

FCDO says: "While earthquakes can happen anywhere without warning in the US, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington and the entire Mississippi River Valley are at higher risk for earthquakes.

"The FEMA website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake." More advice is available online.