Hurricanes Aren't The Only Dangerous Natural Disasters To Be Cautious Of In The Caribbean

Despite having some of the most spectacular beaches in the world and mesmerizing waters that continue to attract visitors to its numerous islands, the Caribbean is one destination that is often associated with hurricanes. Its predisposition to this type of weather is all thanks to its surrounding warm ocean waters and all the moist air, which are most common during summer and fall. With this kind of environment, tropical storms are able to gather and strengthen into serious hurricanes. But hurricanes aren't the only danger lurking in the Caribbean. The region also faces serious risks from heavy rainfalls, potentially leading to widespread flooding and critical landslides.

Several places in the Caribbean like Puerto Rico, Grenada, Barbados, Belize, and the Virgin Islands are already experiencing issues from intense rains brought about by tropical waves. These places have had their fair share of dangerous river surges and flooding in streets, with vehicles getting swept away, travels becoming restricted, and public amenities getting shut down. What particularly makes these rainfall threats tricky is that they tend to catch tourists off guard, because even when you see the warning, it may not jolt your attention like a hurricane would — until roads begin to wash out or mudslides start to happen.

The truth is, the impacts of substantial rain can be just as disruptive as the effects of hurricanes. And despite being less discussed, heavy rainfalls stand out as an unpredictable threat that might occur when least expected — stranding travelers and locals alike, and endangering their lives while they may be out driving or hiking.

In recent years, Puerto Rico has had to issue states of emergency due to persistent heavy rainfalls. A 2024 event, reported by the Associated Press, involved a heavy downpour that continued for over two days, flooding several streets and making rivers overflow. In some places, people were trapped on roofs, and even agriculture wasn't spared as well. A more recent AP News report described how 10 municipalities were placed under a state of emergency after a two-week intense rainfall, leading to two cases of death and millions of dollars in damage.

According to ABC News, the U.S. Virgin Islands have also felt the effects seriously. Heavy rains have led to power outages across St. John and St. Thomas islands as well. Not only that, there has also been a widespread closure of schools, businesses, and even government agencies.

As you must have seen by now, it's not enough to to know about hurricane season when planning a vacation in the Caribbean. Looking out for rain and flood warnings is equally important; in fact, hurricane and wet seasons coincide (both from June through November). You should never assume that "no hurricane" automatically means no weather problems to worry about. In truth, a tropical wave can actually drop a lot of rain without warning. This means you have to stay alert. And it doesn't matter if the sky looks calm — keep tabs on local weather forecasts.

Similarly, if heavy rain is expected or there's fresh rainfall, it's wise to avoid outdoor activities especially in areas with valleys, hills, and steep terrain, because such places are more prone to flash floods and landslides. In situations like that, you should either reschedule your outing, or go for indoor activities instead. Another thing to beware of is low-elevation streets or neighborhoods as they're at more risk. In this light, you'd want to make sure your lodging is on higher ground and has good drainage.

Finally, being proactive is key, so don't joke with essentials like light rain jackets and waterproof bags to keep your documents safe. It's also smart to have extra cash with you, just in case ATMs or card systems are disrupted by the weather. In addition, ensure your devices are well charged to avoid a rough experience when floods or storms take out power and communications unexpectedly. In the same proactive spirit, read up on what to do in case there's a natural disaster during your vacation.