Storm Dorian is expected to hit Florida on one of the busiest weekends of the year.
These are the key questions and answers for travellers.
Where is the storm, and where is it heading?
At 9pm BST on Thursday, the centre of Hurricane Dorian is about 180 miles north of the western tip of the Dominican Republic. For the next 12 hours it is expected to head northwest.
“Dorian is expected to become a major hurricane on Friday,” says the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The track is then forecast to swing west to and approach the northwestern isles of the Bahamas early on Saturday. Dorian is predicted to make landfall in the Bahamas on Saturday, continuing to threaten the entire east coast of Florida – as well as the extreme south of Georgia – by Monday.
That is Labor Day, marking the end of the summer, and normally one of the busiest days of the year.
The Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, said: “I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure Florida is fully prepared for Hurricane Dorian.”
Tens of thousands of British travellers are in the state, and others are elsewhere in the path of the storm.
How powerful will it be?
Dorian is expected to strengthen to a Category 3 Hurricane, meaning sustained winds of between 110 and 129mph.
Hurricane-force winds will extend outwards up to 15 miles from the centre. Tropical storm-force winds will extend outwards up to 90 miles from the centre.
The northwestern Bahamas and coast of Florida are expected to receive between 4 and 8 inches of rain, with up to 12 inches in some areas.
The NHC warns: “This rainfall may cause life-threatening flash floods.
“Swells are likely to begin affecting the east-facing shores of the Bahamas and the southeastern United States coast during the next few days.
“These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.”
What are people in the path being told?
The Florida state governor said: “It’s important for Floridians on the East Coast to monitor this storm closely.
“Every Florida resident should have seven days of supplies, including food, water and medicine, and should have a plan in case of disaster.” The Foreign Office is warning British travellers: “High winds and rainfall from intense thunderstorms are anticipated.
“Monitor the progress of approaching storms on the US National Hurricane Center website and follow instructions issued by the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.”
Will it be bad right across Florida?
The Atlantic shore will be hard hit. Tropical-storm-force winds are expected in every corner of the state. But the further you are from the Atlantic, the less danger there will be.
The Florida Keys, the Gulf Coast and the “Panhandle” that stretches along the north side of the Gulf of Mexico are likely to be little affected.
The main destination for British visitors is Orlando, which is about 60 miles inland from the Atlantic shore. At present computer models suggest the centre of he hurricane may be aiming for Orlando, but the wind strength wlll have dwindled by the time it arrives.
Can I get out, or delay my arrival to the region?
Airlines are being flexible. Virgin Atlantic says: “Due to the adverse weather conditions expected in Orlando this weekend (Sat 31 August-Sun 1 September), Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays are offering customers the opportunity to move their flights to an alternative date on or before 7 September.”
BA says: “If you are due to travel with British Airways to or from Nassau or Providenciales on Friday 30 or Saturday 31 August but no longer wish to travel, you are able to change your booking free of charge and travel on a later date up to and including Monday 7 September.
“If you are due to travel with British Airways to or from Miami, Orlando, Tampa or Fort Lauderdale on Monday 2 September or Tuesday 3 September but no longer wish to travel, you are able to change your booking free of charge and travel on a later date up to and including Sunday 6 September. If you booked directly with British Airways please contact us to make these changes, otherwise contact your travel agent.”
Alternative dates are subject to availability.
American Airlines and Delta are among many others offering “waivers” – the chance to switch flights to miss the worst of the weather, without paying a financial penalty.
Passengers who are due to travel on 30 or 31 August to or from the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands can fly on 29 August or on any day up to 7 September. These can be arranged online.
More options are expected to be offered as Hurricane Dorian nears Florida.
