Tag: Storm

U.S. Travel Warning Amid Powerful Winter Storm Will Impact Holiday Travel

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Last Updated 23 mins ago

An immense winter storm is sweeping the U.S. and will bring record-low temperatures to many across the country. This will be a serious issue for travelers heading off to their Christmas destinations, as President Biden has just issued a ‘leave now’ warning to those with travel plans. Blizzard conditions will put travel plans at risk for those in the Great Plains and the Midwest, so any travelers who can leave early should do so. Otherwise, their trips may have to be canceled.

Some areas already feel the effects of the winter storm, such as Minneapolis-St. Paul airport in Minnesota who reported receiving 7.4 inches of snow in 24 hours, a record for the airport. As the storm progresses, more areas in the region will see travel and daily life disrupted. According to the National Weather Service, a “Powerful winter storm [will] produce widespread disruptive and potentially crippling impacts across the central and eastern United States,” and “Record-breaking cold and life-threatening wind chills over the Great Plains [will] overspread the eastern half of the Nation by Friday.”

The storm is expected to cause significant travel disruptions, hence Biden’s latest warning. According to the President, the White House has tried to contact 26 governors in affected areas to offer federal assistance after meeting with the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

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According to the NWS, areas across the Interior Northeast, Great Lakes, and Upper Midwest will be especially affected. 1-2” per hour snowfall rates are expected, and wind gusts of over 50 miles per hour will create extremely low to near-zero visibility conditions. As a result, land and air travel will be impossible at times going into the weekend, so travelers who are still able to get to their destinations before feeling the effects of the storm should leave as soon as possible, per the President’s warning.

According to the NWS, “The combination of heavy snow and strong wind gusts could lead to significant infrastructure impacts, including scattered tree damage and power outages.” The expected intensity of the cold will make conditions for those without power even more dangerous. If travelers are unable to get out ahead of the storm, it is advisable to have supplies on hand to make it through a few days without power. A heat source, food, and water should be on hand if power is lost.

That being said, if the storm is already affecting your area or your intended destination’s area, travelers are advised to stay home and shelter in place. If travelers ignore this advice and try to get through the storm in their vehicles, they risk becoming stranded in their cars, which would be one of the most dangerous situations they could put themselves in amid life-threatening cold temperatures.

Travelers are advised to follow the advice of the NWS and local authorities. For the most up-to-date information regarding travel advice and storm conditions, check the official website of the National Weather Service.

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December 22, 2022
Tropical Storm Nicole Is Headed For Florida: Airports Closing and Cruises Rerouting

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Last Updated 6 mins ago

The National Hurricane Center issued a warning that tropical storm Nicole will likely become a hurricane by Wednesday and is making its way towards Florida’s east coast. Airports, theme parks and cruise lines are on alert or have implemented precautions with Orlando, Orlando Sanford, Melbourne and Daytona Beach International Airports all planning to suspend operations by Wednesday afternoon.

Tropical storm Nicole began building in the Atlantic Ocean as a hybrid storm earlier in the week, but by Tuesday had formed into a tropical storm. Nicole is expected to move towards the islands of the Bahamas before strengthening into a Category 1 hurricane and then meeting Florida’s southeast coast by late Wednesday or early Thursday. Its damage could also extend to Southwest Florida, which has already been devastated by Hurricane Ian.

AccuWeather reports that “a water level rise of 3-6 feet is forecast with locally higher levels, and that rise will occur not only on waters near where Nicole makes landfall along the central portion of the Florida east coast but in areas hundreds of miles farther north”

This is the second time in six weeks that Florida has had to brace for a potential hurricane and if Nicole makes landfall, it would be a rarity, since only one hurricane has ever made landfall after November in continental US, according to hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach.

What Travel Has Been Disrupted So Far?

Multiple Florida airports have decided to close on Wednesday; Orlando and Orlando Sanford International Airports will be suspending operations at 4pm; Melbourne Orlando International Airport will be closing at 2pm; and Daytona Beach International Airport will be shutting earlier at 12.30pm.

Operational Update – Tropical Storm Nicole
Together with our partners, a decision has been made to cease commercial operations at 4:00pm on Wednesday, November 9th, until circumstances permit operations resume.

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) November 8, 2022

Major airlines have issued travel alerts for multiple airports in the eastern Caribbean and Florida, stating that customers who were impacted by Nicole would be able to rebook airfares under certain conditions. Currently, American Airlines has listed 20 airports as a travel alert; United has listed 8; and Delta has listed 15. It is recommended to check your airline for the latest travel advisory.

Cruise lines have already reacted and altered itineraries. Both Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Liberty and Disney’s Wish skipped a planned visit to Nassau in the Bahamas and spent a day at sea instead. They will now be stopping in Cozumel, Mexico instead of their planned private cays.

Meanwhile Carnival Elation, Norwegian Getaway and Disney Dream all skipped their private island itineraries and opted for a day at sea or another destination. Royal Caribbean’s International’s Quantum of the Seas, which was headed to Florida via the Bahamas from New Jersey has redirected to Haiti.

At the time of writing, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld had not made plans to close their theme parks but said they were monitoring the situation closely. Other attractions such as Central Florida Zoo and Brevard Zoo have decided to close Wednesday and Thursday as a precaution.

What Is Nicole’s Predicted Path?

Nicole is currently moving near or over the islands in the Bahamas today and will be approaching Florida’s east coast between West Palm Beach and Cape Canaveral by late Wednesday or early Thursday, according to AccuWeather. It is advised by experts to not only consider the direct path as a point of impact, because a storm of this size can wreak havoc wide and can move through parts of the state for 48 hours.

“These things don’t have to be exactly right over the top of you to make it the worst night of the year for you,” said AccuWeather forecast operations director Dan DePodwin.

#Nicole is approaching Florida. Get the latest details in our Moment:https://t.co/u5PlFbmHRt

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) November 8, 2022

AccuWeather suggested that Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia and parts of the Northeast could also experience 2-4 inches of rain, with mountainous regions in the North Carolina and Virginia potentially experiencing flooding by Thursday evening or Friday.

At the time of writing a hurricane warning has been issued for a large portion of Florida’s east coast and the northwestern Bahamas, and a tropical storm warning has been issued for northwestern Florida coast and well as some of the Georgia coast.

Evacuations are underway in Florida as Tropical Storm #Nicole continues to strengthen. AccuWeather forecasters have narrowed down the timeline for the storm’s landfall, which could occur as early as Wednesday night. https://t.co/JzGUAQU0lg

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) November 9, 2022

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November 9, 2022
Tropical Storm Warning Issued For Los Cabos Due To Hurricane Kay

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Last Updated 2 hours ago

Mexico has entered hurricane season this month and, as if on cue, Los Cabos is currently under a tropical storm warning due to Hurricane Kay. A tropical storm warning indicates that winds of at least 40mph are possible over the next 36 hours. Currently, Hurricane Kay is classified as a Category 1 hurricane, with winds between 74 and 95 miles per hour.

However, if current forecasts hold, it will turn into a Category 2 hurricane by tomorrow morning with winds between 96 and 110 miles per hour. By the time it passes by the coast of Los Cabos, it could even be a Category 3. This means winds could be between 111 and 129 miles per hour.

Current Projections For Los Cabos

Luckily for Los Cabos, that doesn’t mean the area itself will see winds of that caliber. The center of the storm will be about 230 miles off the coast as it passes. Currently, the storm is moving northwest above the Pacific Ocean at about 10-15 miles per hour.

Following current projections, it will pass Los Cabos with the most intensity around 8 pm on September 7^th. If current projections remain valid, Los Cabos will likely see intense rain, high winds, and strong waves. However, as with any weather event, things can change anytime.

Image Courtesy Of: Zoom Earth

Forecasts say with a fair degree of certainty that the evening of the 7^th will be the worst for Los Cabos, it remains to be seen whether the area will remain under a tropical storm warning. Ideally, the storm would begin moving more westward if the projections were to change, but it could also move more inland. Residents and visitors in the area should stay updated over the next 48 hours. Check in with local weather alerts and take recommended precautions depending on the severity of the winds and rain.

Image Courtesy Of: Zoom Earth

Rain Forecast

Heavy rainfall is expected across western Mexico, including Los Cabos, whether Hurricane Kay grows or shrinks in intensity. Between four and eight inches will fall through Thursday night, with some areas potentially receiving up to twelve inches. Flash floods could be an issue and present an immediate danger to residents and visitors should they occur. Drivers should never attempt to drive through moving water, as the mistake could be deadly.

Areas Already Affected

According to a recent report, Hurricane Kay has already been wreaking havoc in the southwestern Mexican state, Guerrero. Houses were damaged, trees were knocked down, rivers overflowed throughout Guerrero, and the storm was responsible for three deaths in the region. Further north along the coast, Puerto Vallarta also experienced damage. Several homes were affected due to floods and landslides, and two cars were whisked away by flooding.

In both instances, Hurricane Kay was further out and weaker than it is predicted to be when it passes by Los Cabos on the 7^th. As a result, the area will likely see similar issues as Kay passes by the area. Recently, authorities prepared facilities and rescue vehicles before Tropical Storm Javier’s arrival. With Hurricane Kay following closely behind, the area will better be able to handle any issues that arise.

Planning To Visit Los Cabos?

Travelers planning to visit Los Cabos over the next few days should keep an eye on their flight status. So far, the airport is operating normally, but that is subject to change at a moment’s notice. With the worst of the storm approaching Los Cabos on the evening of the 7^th, it is especially important for travelers flying in or out of Los Cabos International Airport on the same day to check their flight status constantly.

It’d be better to know if your flight was delayed or canceled before getting yourself and your bags to the airport. The storm will weaken following tomorrow’s peak and should no longer cause disruptions by Sunday evening. Travelers heading to Los Cabos after this weekend should remain unaffected, barring any damage to their intended property.

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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September 7, 2022
Potential Tropical Storm Alex Could Wreak Havoc On Florida Travel This Weekend
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Tropical storm warnings for the weekend have been issued by the National Hurricane Center in the United States for the central and southern regions of the Florida peninsula, Cuba, and The Bahamas.

Up to 20 inches of rain and sustained winds of 39 miles per hour are expected to affect Florida from Friday through Sunday morning, with a 90% probability of turning into Tropical Storm Alex, the first tropical storm of the season.

According to the agency, heavy rains and thunderstorms are already taking place in the Yucatán peninsula in Mexico —which includes top destinations for travelers like Cancun— as a consequence of Hurricane Agatha, downgraded into a tropical storm after landfall on Monday.

The National Hurricane Center stated: “The system is expected to develop a well-defined center and become a tropical storm later today, and some slight strengthening is possible while it approaches Florida”.

Tropical Storm Alex —a name previously used for other tropical cyclones across the world— would be the first of the season 2022. A few days ago, the government of the United States issued travel warnings for US citizens about hurricane season in the Caribbean.

A few hours ago, the National Hurricane Center posted on Twitter: “Potential Tropical Cyclone One could produce coastal flooding of 1-3 ft above normally dry ground along with parts of the southwestern coast of Florida and the Florida Keys.”

Over 10 million people in the region will be affected and should take precautions for flooding and gusty winds as well —which are expected to reach 40mps and more. Miami, Key West, and Fort Myers will be the main areas affected this Friday and Saturday.

CNN meteorologist Chad Myers said: “Whether the storm organizes or not, a significant flood event is possible across south Florida and the Keys.” Within the next few hours, experts and local authorities will be sharing more details about the storm’s progress. Travelers and US citizens in the area must stay alert.

Forecast For The Weekend And Warnings In Florida

It is hard to predict exactly how the storm will develop within the next few hours, but there’s already a timeline and a path predicted for this storm, and heavy rain in the area is certain.

On Thursday, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) said: “There is still some variability on how this system will track, but heavy precipitation capable of scattered to numerous flash flooding is certainly plausible through southern Florida and into the Keys.”

The bulletin shared by the National Hurricane Center showed tropical storm warnings issued for Florida and specifically mentioned:
- Florida Keys including the Dry Tortugas.
- Florida Bay.
- West coast of Florida south of the Middle of Longboat Key to Card Sound Bridge.
- East coast of Florida south of the Volusia/Brevard County Line to Card Sound Bridge.
- Lake Okeechobee.
According to Abc News, from 5 to 15 inches of rain and winds from 40 to 55 mps are forecasted for most of South Florida. This is the timeline expected for the weekend and the projected path, as the Weather Channel informed:
- Friday: Heavy rains in South Florida. The main areas affected will be Miami, Sarasota, Melbourne, West Palm Beach, Dry Tortuga, Florida Bay, Lake Okeechobee, and the Florida Keys.
- Saturday: The storm will be expected in southwest Florida in the morning and should head east by night. One or two isolated tornadoes could also develop in south Florida.
- Sunday: With reduced strength, the storm will reach the Southeast U.S. coast, with strong winds, and can develop dangerous currents across the coast. By night, the storm will move away from the East Coast, into the open Atlantic.
Those interested in traveling to South Florida during the weekend might have to reconsider and all those already in the area should pay close attention to the news and official announcements from authorities. Now that hurricane season has started, travelers must carefully plan their trips.

Read More:

U.S. Government Issues Travel Advisory Regarding Hurricane Season In The Caribbean

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Florida Is Seeing Its Worse Flights Delays In Years Causing Frustration For Travelers

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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June 3, 2022