Hurricane Irene Travel Alerts And News
- Last Updated: 23/08/2011
- Category: Environmental
Summary: In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, airlines in the USA are dealing with backlogs from flights cancelled over the weekend.
Airlines And Airports
JFK Airport has established timetables for each airline, however the best advice is to check with your particular airline for scheduled services and flights.
Flexible Tickets
Most US airlines have begun to offer a flexible ticket condition and are waiving change fees for the next week.
Other airlines offering this service include:
- Qantas partner American Airlines
- Virgin Australia partners Delta
- Virgin America
Airport Information
For up-to-date airport information, follow these sites:
Washington DC
New York
Boston
Please find further advice below.
Last Updated: 29 August 2011
Summary: Some British travellers remain stranded at airports along the USA's East Coast following flight cancellations in the wake of Hurricane Irene. Port authorities in New York have claimed that airports will not reopen until Monday afternoon, 29 August, at the earliest.
Airlines
US Airlines, United and Continental, have begun assessing damage to New York airports and support structures and are hoping to begin providing services again at midday, local time (17:00 BST) today.
Other Airlines - Virgin and British Airways - are also assessing the impact of Hurricane Irene and are also hoping to be back in service at midday, local time (17:00 BST).
British Nationals
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has downgraded Hurricane Irene to Tropical Storm status. British nationals who were caught up in the storm are advised to follow advice from local authorities.
The level of advice on travel to the US has not been changed and no restrictions are in place.
Useful Information
Travellers are advised to check on the status of their flight and to monitor the progress of Hurricane Irene. Useful sources include:
Weather
Travel
Please find further advice below.
Last Updated: 26 August 2011
Summary: Hurricane Irene has hit the north-western Bahamas with maximum sustained wind speeds of 185km/h. Forecasters predict that it will reach a category 4 level as it heads towards the North Carolina coast, USA this weekend.
Caribbean
Travellers are advised that Hurricane Irene is currently over the north western coast of the Bahamas, but is starting to shift away from the Caribbean and head towards the USA.
USA
Hurricane Irene is likely to reach a hurricane level rating of category 4 as it begins to make its way towards the East Coast of the USA.
Authorities have already ordered evacuations in:
- Florida
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- North Carolina
Significant storm surge waters are expected to raise water levels and cause large waves along the East Coast of the USA as Hurricane Irene approaches.
Flights
Travellers to and from the areas around the East Coast of the USA are urged to check the status of their flights.
Amtrak and major US airlines have started suspending routes and flights to the affected areas and have placed others on watch lists, particularly flights to the Bahamas and Miami.
More flights are expected to be cancelled today.
Please find further advice below.
Last Updated: 25 August 2011
Summary: Hurricane Irene has reached category 3 hurricane level and is predicted to reach category 4 by the end of today. With winds reaching 115 knots, it is also expected to reach the Bahamas today.
Carribean
Earlier this week, Hurricane Irene struck the coast of the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos islands and Puerto Rico, leaving thousands without water and electricity.
The south-eastern parts of the Bahamas have already been struck by Hurricane Irene, with the core of the hurricane heading towards the rest of the Bahamas.
United States
Hurricane Irene is expected to reach the eastern coast of the US by the end of the week.
Residents and travellers to the Carolinas through to New England are requested to monitor the storm's progress.
US president Barack Obama has declared a state of emergency for Puerto Rico. Authorities in North Carolina have begun voluntary evacuations and have begun constructing barrier islands.
Last Updated: 24 August 2011
Summary: Hurricane Irene is sweeping across the Turks and Caicos and has been upgraded to a category 2 hurricane, with forecasters predicting it will become a major hurricane in the following days.
Carribean
Hurricane Irene is predicted to have the following consequences for Caribbean nations:
Bahamas
- Central and north western areas expecting a storm surge
- Water levels are expected to raise 7-11 feet above normal levels
Turks And Caicos Islands
- Experiencing Hurricane Irene - storm surge expected
- Water levels are expected to raise 5-8 feet above normal levels
United States
Meteorologists have predicted Hurricane Irene will reach the US east coast by the weekend.
Last Updated: 23 August 2011
Summary: Parts of the Carribean Islands and US coastal regions have been issued with Hurricane warnings as Hurricane Irene gains strength and draws closer to land.
Carribean
Hurricane Irene is expected to pass over northern coastal regions of:
- Haiti
- The Dominican Republic
- The Bahamas
On the 22 and 23 August 2011.
Neighbouring countries can expect strong winds and rains.
Carribean Travel
The hurricane warnings have caused airport closures from 09:00pm on the Turks and Caicos Islands.
United States
Hurricane Irene is expected to strike the coast of Florida on 25 August 2011.
No travel restrictions are in place for the US as of yet.
Further Advice
British travellers are encouraged to follow the advice issued by local authorities and tour operators. You may also follow:
Weather
Travel