Atlantic Ocean outlook - October update

Atlantic Hurricane Season © noonsite.com

Four weeks until the Atlantic Hurricane Season ends and October proved to be a busy month. As of October 25, the storms of this season have collectively caused at least 372 fatalities and more than $190 billion in damage.

Most of the fatalities are due to Beryl (June) and Helene (September), while most of the damage is due to Helene and Milton. With transit season on the horizon for many yachts congregating in the Canary Islands, all eyes are on the weather to see if Oscar was the last tropical development in the Atlantic basin for this season.

Helene: At the end of September authorities declared a State of Emergency for the USA state of Florida as Hurricane Helene intensified into an extremely dangerous Category 4 system with a storm surge warning in place for all of the southern and western coasts. Helene left a catastrophic trail of damage and destruction across south-eastern US states.

Kirk and Lesley: Less than a week later, Kirk became the seventh hurricane of the season, swiftly followed by Lesley - both remaining offshore and no threat to land, however Kirk did strike Europe as a post-tropical cyclone.

Milton: Less than 10 days after Helene made landfall in Florida, the state braced for another devastating hit from Tropical Storm Milton, which formed in the Gulf of Mexico and developed into a Category 5 hurricane before making landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm.

Nadine and Oscar: With six weeks till the official end of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season, two new storms developed in the Caribbean with Oscar becoming the 10th named hurricane and surprising forecasters with its rapid formation on October 19, 2024. After causing moderate damage in E. Cuba Oscar dissipated.

UK: The UK's new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme continues to be rolled out. From 27 November, eligible non-Europeans can apply for an ETA which will be needed to arrive in the UK from 8 January 2025. From 5 March 2025 eligible Europeans can apply to travel from 2 April 2025. An ETA costs £10. Everyone wishing to travel to the UK (except British and Irish citizens) will need permission to travel in advance, either through an eVisa or the new ETA. See www.gov.uk for more details.

Isles of Scilly Pilot Guide - the seventh edition was released this month. Just 22NM off the coast of Cornwall, this is a stunning archipelago.

Canary Islands: With less than two weeks before the first departure, 'ARC Season 2024' is now under way with crew and yachts gathering in the Canary Islands, to prepare for their adventure sailing across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. Find out about all the participants and the ARC program here.

Skippers should be aware of the new 2Africa cable which lands in Salinetas Bay, approx. 9 NM south of the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and the anchoring restrictions in place. Find out the details.

Cape Verdes: Yachts visiting the Cape Verdes have always had to use common sense safety measures. Since last season there have been some anchored boats that have suffered robberies, and there are more beggars in the street. Marina Mindelo, keen to give yacht owners peace of mind, have collaborated closely with the local authorities to improve security both on land and on the water and ensure that any incidents are swiftly managed. Find out more details.

USA: Another report confirming that the visa waiver scheme, if used for first entry by commercial carrier (or by crossing a land border), can subsequently be used for entry by yacht. If you are planning on just a short visit to the USA (or its protectorates) and don't want the hassle of applying for and obtaining a US visa, then this is a viable method. Australian cruisers, SV Paseafique, confirmed it worked well when coming to the US from Canada. Read their feedback in comments (speech bubble icon) on this report.

This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com.