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DE RUEHC #5529/01 1492137
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 292124Z MAY 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RUEHFSI/DIR FSINFATC
RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC
RUEHPH/CDC ATLANTA 7564
RUCPDOC/ALL USDOC DISTDIR COLLECTIVE WASHINGTON DC
RHMCSUU/CDRAMC FT BELVOIR VA//AMCMI-SS//
RUEAHQA/HQ USAF WASHINGTON DC//XOXXI//
RHMCSUU/HQ AFOSI DOQ ANDREWS AFB MD//IVOA//
RHMCSUU/FAA NATIONAL HQ WASHINGTON DC//ACI-400//
RHMCSUU/COMNAVAIRSYSCOM PATUXENT RIVER MD//AIR1031B//
RHMFIUU/NRC WASHINGTON DC//INFOSEC//
RHMFISS/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL//CCJ2-JIT//
RUCPCIM/CIM NTDB WASHINGTON DC
RHMCSUU/COGARD INTELCOORDCEN WASHINGTON DC
RHMFIUU/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI
RHMFISS/CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL
RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI IMMEDIATE 7590
RUEHTN/AMCONSUL CAPE TOWN IMMEDIATE 7617

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 055529 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC XL
SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT - HURRICANE SEASON 
 
¶1. The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the 
Hurricane Season in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the 
Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico. The official Atlantic 
Hurricane Season runs from June through November. This 
Travel Alert expires on December 4, 2009. 
 
¶2. National Weather Service officials at the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict a 
50 percent chance that activity during the 2009 Atlantic 
Hurricane Season will be near-normal this year, 
forecasting nine to fourteen named storms, with four to 
seven becoming hurricanes and one to three becoming major 
hurricanes. NOAA recommends that those in hurricane-prone 
regions begin preparations at this time for the upcoming 
season. 
 
¶3. In the aftermath of some previous storms, U.S. 
citizens have encountered uncomfortable and often 
dangerous conditions that have lasted for several days 
while awaiting transportation back to the United States. 
In the past, many U.S. citizens traveling abroad to 
affected regions have been forced to delay their return 
to the United States due to infrastructure damage to 
airports and limited flight availability. In many cases, 
flights were suspended and passengers faced long delays 
due to the need to repair a damaged airport. Roads also 
were washed out or obstructed by debris, adversely 
affecting access to airports and land routes out of 
affected areas. Reports of looting and sporadic violence 
in the aftermath of natural disasters are not uncommon. 
Security personnel may not be readily available to assist 
at all times.  In the event of a hurricane, travelers 
should be aware that they may not be able to depart the 
area for 24-48 hours or more. 
 
¶4. Should a situation require an evacuation from an 
overseas location, the State Department will work with 
commercial airlines to ensure that U.S. citizens are 
repatriated as safely and efficiently as possible. 
Commercial airlines are the Department's primary source 
of transportation in an evacuation; other means of 
transport are utilized only as a last resort. The 
Department of State will not provide no-cost 
transportation, but does have the authority to provide 
repatriation loans to those in financial need. U.S. 
citizens should obtain travel insurance to cover 
unexpected expenses during an emergency. 
 
¶5. U.S. citizens living in or traveling to storm-prone 
regions overseas should prepare for hurricanes and 
tropical storms by organizing a kit containing a supply 
of bottled water, non-perishable food items, a battery- 
powered or hand-crank radio, and vital documents 
(especially passport and other identification) in a 
waterproof container. Emergency shelters often have 
access only to basic resources and limited medical and 
food supplies. 
 
¶6. U.S. citizens should monitor local radio, local media, 
and the National Weather Service to stay aware of any 
weather developments in their area. Minor tropical storms 
can develop into hurricanes very quickly, limiting the 
time available for a safe evacuation. Travelers should 
apprise family and friends of their whereabouts and keep 
in close contact with their tour operator, hotel staff, 
and local officials for evacuation instructions in the 
event of a weather emergency. 
 
¶7. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to register with 
the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the 
Department of State's travel registration website.  By 
 
STATE 00055529  002 OF 002 
 
 
registering, American citizens can receive the Embassy's 
most recent security and safety updates during their 
trip. Registration also ensures that U.S. citizens can be 
reached should an emergency arise either abroad or at 
home. While consular officers will do their utmost to 
assist Americans in a crisis, travelers always should be 
aware that local authorities bear primary responsibility 
for the welfare of people living or traveling in their 
jurisdictions. 
 
¶8. Additional information on hurricanes and storm 
preparedness may be found on the Hurricane Season 2009 
page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs' website or in the 
"Hurricane Season - Know Before You Go" pamphlet. Updated 
information on travel in the Caribbean may be obtained 
from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 
within the United States and Canada or, from outside the 
United States and Canada, 1-202-501-4444.  Travelers to 
the region are encouraged to check the Internet site of 
the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with consular 
responsibilities for the territory they will be visiting 
(accessible via http://usembassy.state.gov/). For further 
information please consult the Country Specific 
Information Sheet for the country or territory in 
question, available via the Internet at 
http://travel.state.gov. 
 
¶9. Minimize considered. 
CLINTON