Hurricane season and wind design
Designing for hurricane winds and storm water. BCS is hit regularly (the Eastern Pacific season runs May 15–Nov 30, with the highest risk roughly Aug–Oct).
Why it matters
The Reglamento de Construcciones de BCS requires structural design for wind; engineers use the CFE Manual de Diseño por Viento (2020), with site wind speeds from the INEEL "Sistema Viento" tool. Local press reports that the state regulation is outdated, so ask your engineer to design to the current CFE manual.
Who helps
Your structural engineer (co-responsible for structural safety) and DRO.
Checklist
roof-to-wall ties and slab roofs, impact-rated windows or shutters, anchored solar and tanks, elevation above arroyo flood lines (never build in an arroyo bed), drainage, and setbacks from the beach dune.
Common mistakes
- Building in an arroyo; work scheduled for September, when storms halt sites.
Say it in Spanish
- ¿La estructura se diseñó con el Manual de Diseño por Viento de CFE para este sitio?
Was the structure designed with the CFE wind manual for this site?
Terms
Confirm the details for your case with your notario or attorney.
Common questions
How do I protect my home from hurricanes?
Build to wind-design standards, insure before the season, and have a caretaker plan for shutters and checks.