Costa Rica tropical storms are no joke!
Situated 10º north of the equator and with 274 km (170 mi) of land separating the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is within striking distance of some of the most extreme storms on the planet. Surprisingly, few major storms make a direct impact or cause immense damage. In part, because Costa Ricans have always lived with the threat of tropical storms and flooding; and in turn, they have adapted to their environment and prepared.
Costa Rica Recent Notable Storms
Hurricane Eta began to rapidly intensify, attaining hurricane status early on November 2. Just nine hours later, Eta intensified into a major hurricane before reaching Category 4 strength just three hours later. Eta peaked at 150 mph (240 km/h) and 923 mbar (hPa; 27.26 inHg) as it slowed tremendously off the coast of Nicaragua early on November 3, making it the second most intense November hurricane on record behind only the 1932 Cuba hurricane..
Some evidence supports that the hurricane may have been a Category 5 before landfall. Unfortunately, there were no planes that were available to fly into the storm due to mechanical problems. Many meteorologists and satellite data suggested that it was in fact Category 5 intensity at one point, although the National Hurricane Center in Miami left it at Category 4 intensity. - Wikipedia
Tropical storm Nate formed in the Caribbean to the east and north of Costa Rica. Although it never made landfall the wind pulled warm moist air in from the Pacific Ocean across the country. Intense rains on the west, Hurricane Nate was the costliest natural disaster in Costa Rican history. An unusually fast-moving tropical cyclone, it caused severe flooding in Central America, leading to widespread destruction and casualties, during early October 2017, before making landfall on the US Gulf Coast. - Wikipedia
Otto made landfall in Nicaragua at peak intensity on November 24, thus becoming the latest hurricane to make landfall in the Atlantic basin since 1851 when records began.[1] Traveling along the Nicaragua–Costa Rica border, the system rapidly weakened to a tropical storm before emerging over the eastern Pacific Ocean, becoming the final storm of the 2016 Pacific hurricane season as well. - Wikipedia
D: Tropical Depression – wind speed less than 39 MPH
S: Tropical Storm – wind speed between 39 MPH and 73 MPH
H: Hurricane – wind speed between 74 MPH and 110 MPH
M: Major Hurricane – wind speed greater than 110 MPH
*Note: Characterized by wind speed only.
Our Costa Rica hurricane experience
My family was able to experience the first hurricane on record to make landfall in Costa Rica. Hurricane Otto struck Costa Rica shortly after our 1st anniversary of moving to the country. We lived on the opposite coast, but we experience a great deal of wind and rain. I remember huddling together near the center of our unit where there were few windows. The windows rattled and whistled from the wind, and the rain pelted the metal roof. It was very loud as the sounds flooded the room. Otto was an amazing storm.
As impressive as hurricane Otto was, it did not have the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Nate. The intense rains coming in from the Pacific dumped more water than many communities could withstand. It may not have had the windspeed to categorize as a hurricane, but Nate had plenty of power.
The thunderclouds released bombs of lightning and unleashed unrelenting torrential rain. We lived in Tamarindo, a very developed town with a strong tourist economy. The empty lots around our condo had several large trees washed out and blown down. We were without power for four days and had additional shorter outages in the following weeks. Hurricane Nate was the costliest natural disaster in Costa Rican history.
Flooding happens frequently and quickly in Costa Rica
Each microclimate of Costa Rica experiences the rainy season. Depending on the region, rainfall can be 440 mm (17.5 in) of rain per month. Floods are common, especially near creeks, rivers, or lowlands. Even quality homes can develop a leak causing flooding during these times. Runoff and rising waters cause some homes to flood annually, whenever the strongest storms pass through. During the rainy season and certain tropical storms, the rain remains constant for days to weeks in some areas. Without a reprieve, the limits of the rivers and creeks are tested.
Costa Rica Roads & Bridges Washout
Roads and bridges frequently become impassible. When the water is too deep, you become cut off from food and supplies. Many rural areas have back roads that pass through a river that is dry or very low in the dry season but becomes impassable when the rains pick up. Some communities have one access and as a result, may be isolated for days before the waters recede. If you live outside a city or enjoy exploring, you may want a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The roads can get rough and treacherous at times.
Another major event caused by flooding is mudslides. Many areas of Costa Rica are hilly and mountainous. Roads and lots are often carved out of the side of the hill, leaving steep edges. Saturated earth sloughs off, covering anything in its path below.
Costa Rica Lightning storms can get intense
Rainy season in Costa Rica can produce some strong thunderstorms. These storms can really pack a punch. The electricity flies through the air with frequent ground strikes and even assaulting the waters off the coast. It is only a matter of time before a strike is close enough to make you jump and your hair stands up with the charge.
This discharge of energy is exhilarating but can cause some major issues to your electronics. Make sure you protect them. We have replaced a wide range of electronics from computers and TVs, to musical instruments. We have had to contact repairmen twice for our air conditions. There is a voltage protector for the AC unit that fails when overloaded. In our experience, electronics don't last as long in Costa Rica, so you need to do what you can to protect them.
While scary and deadly, if struck, the odds of getting hit by lightning directly are slim. Lightning is the storm element we can most easily defend against and have the least chance of being physically harmed against yet many fear it the most.
Costa Rica Wind, the invisible force
The severity of many storms is measured by the intensity of the wind. Where precipitation and extreme temperatures can cause damage, the experts know to fear and respect the wind in full force.
Most of the time, the wind is more of a nuisance than a threat. But when it gathers its strength, wind can move great structures. Trees frequently lose their grip and fall. Often these fallen trees can be the cause of power outages. The majority of electricity comes from overhead lines and when trees fall they can take the lines with them.
The construction of many low-income houses in Costa Rica uses sheets of corrugated zinc for roofs. At times, these basic building supplies have been lifted off their nails and pushed like a sail through the air exposing the living area or the residents to the elements.
Even the most well-built structures are not safe from the projectiles carried by the wind. Tree branches, garbage, and building supplies can crash through windows and damage the roofs. There is little one can do to defend against this invisible giant.
In the Guanacaste region in the north of Costa Rica, the wind can last for months. There is a current that travels down off of lake Nicaragua to the north and shoots out the Gold Coast of Costa Rica. Vacationers of Tamarindo, Witches Rock, and Nosara experience the amazing surf created by the off-shore wind to the Pacific Ocean.
Storm tips:
Be Prepared During a Costa Rica storm
There are certain readiness activities and supplies we have learned help us prepare for Costa Rica storms. Many are basic but the reminder always helps. Take a second to consider how prepared you are in each of these areas. Included are some links to some of our favorite readiness products that will help you be prepared during a Costa Rica storm. Simply click on the image to shop.
Keep emergency supplies together.
Nothings worse than having an emergency and not being able to find what you need. Hunting around for stuff in a power outage or minor flood increases your risk. Make sure the supplies are easy to access.
First Aid Kit
Keep your First Aid kit stocked and accessible. Make sure you can grab them quickly, should you need to evacuate. We have a kit in the house and one in our Jeep that we use whenever we are on the go.
Extra water
Often in a severe storm situation, the water can go out or can be contaminated. It is amazing how much water we use, for, including drinking, cleaning, and hygiene. We recommend having a large jug of water on hand at all times.
Fresh foods can spoil with loss of power.
We cook with a lot of fresh local produce. If we lose power for an extended length of time our food can go bad. It is a good idea to have some extra dry goods on hand to tide you over until the storm passes. Beans, rice, popcorn, and crackers are a good place to start.
Ensure propane is full.
If you have a gas stove and you know a storm is coming, you may want to refill or exchange the tank. Being able to use the stove with the power off is a great asset. In the event your kitchen stove is electric, a Barbecue (Parrillada) is a good backup.
Coffee is a must
Seriously, we function better with a comforting and stimulating cup of coffee. We have a Costa Rican coffee maker with a poor over sock. If the power goes out (or the coffee maker breaks) we can simply heat water on the gas stove or grill and use the sock, coffee maker. This makes the best cup of coffee.
Charge electronics & Portable Charger
When you hear of a storm is on the way, be sure to get a full charge on your electronic devices. If the power goes out you will need them for both safety and pastime. However, using electronics for entertainment like Netflix, can drain the battery that you may need as an emergency device. We use our electronics for news and communication which are essential in storm situations. Battery chargers are great to give you a boost if your running low. We strongly recommend getting battery backups. We have one on our internet and for our other devices. Even if we lose power we can still access the internet. You can keep your computer powered and even recharge other devices.
Flashlights and lanterns
Flashlights and lanterns are very underrated. I hear people respond often that they always use their cellphone as a flashlight. That is great for short periods of time, but what about when the power is out for hours? Lanterns and flashlights can save the power on your phone for more safety and entertainment purposes. We highly recommend picking up a few of these combination lantern, flashlights. We use ours very often. It works great to play cards or find things when the lights go out. Don't forget to keep a few extra batteries around.
Surge protectors are a must
Any electronic device that you value highly should be connected through a surge protector. Costa Rica is known to have many power surges and fluctuations. This potential increases when there is a storm. Inconsistent power is damaging to electronic components. Your devices will stop working much sooner if you do not use a surge protector. Unplug your devices when they are not in use. This practice not only saves electricity, but it also keeps the device safe in an electrical storm.
The listed above are also on my top items I pack. I hope this tips help you better preparer for your next storm and travel adventure.