Come on, Irene: Hurricane Irene expected to affect travel plans - 558

Hurricane Irene makes landfall on the East Coast. Image courtesy of National Weather ServiceAs 600-mile wide Hurricane Irene begins making its way upwards to the East Coast, travelers should be ready to make plans. The storm has already hit the Bahamas and is expected to reach the US as early as Saturday.

According to CNN, American Airlines has already canceled 126 flights, with other carrier following suit. Many travelers Caribbean travelers can change their flights without incurring fees:

Major airlines — including US Airways, American Airlines, United Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and Air Tran — have dropped ticket change fees for passengers scheduled to fly to or from many cities along the East Coast this weekend.

In addition, the aritcle points out, Amtrak has already canceled train services south of Washington, DC, with more cancellations expected in the Northeast.

Some states are already are already declaring evacuation warnings and states of emergency. New York City has published an evacuation guide for certain city zones, while Governor Andrew Cuomo has stated that Albany’s Emergency Operation Center will operate round-the-clock for 24 hours a day. Transit will also be halted if necessary, according to officials. As for other states:

New Jersey: Governor Chris Christie has declared a state of an emergency, and urged residents of the barrier islands to evacuate voluntarily. Vistors and residents of the Jersey Shore were also encouraged to leave the area by Friday evening, though Irene isn’t expected to touch down until Saturday.

Virginia: Governor Bob Mcdonnell said, “At this time, I encourage all Virginians to gather items they may need this weekend in case of power outages and disruptions in public services and to make sure their family members and friends are also prepared for this storm.” Eastern Virginia residents in low-lying areas have been advised to evacuate. 

North Carolina: President Obama approved a request by the state’s Governor Bev Perdue in declaring a federal disaster declaration before the storm hits landfall. The National Guard have already begun preparing for Irene, while highway patrol will expedite evacuation and offer storm response.

South Carolina: The hurricane warning for the coast of South Carolina has been downgraded to tropical storm, though the appropriate warnings are still in place.

Maryland: Currently a category 3 storm, Hurricane Irene could strengthen to as strong as category 4 as it travels up the coast. Governor Martin O’Malley has declared a state of emergency, while events—such as the scheduled dedication of the new Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial—in Washington D.C have been postponed.

Wherever you may be, it’s best to consult local broadcasts for evacuation warnings and region-specific news. As always, be safe.