People have begun scrambling to change their travel plans as Hurricane Irma approaches the United States.
Fort Lauderdale resident Lynn Smith says that despite the hurricane headed toward her home, she’s not giving up on her scheduled cruise from Bayonne to New England and Canada.
“I’m not losing a 13-night cruise because a hurricane may or may not come,” she says. “I’m going on my cruise tomorrow and hopefully I’ll have a home to go home to.”
News 12 New Jersey found many Floridians at Newark Liberty International Airport Wednesday afternoon. Many were already planning on coming to New Jersey before the storm formed.
There were also many New Jerseyans who just returned from Florida who said that they were happy to be back home before the storm hit.
“I don’t want to be there when the hurricane comes,” says Montville resident Ilana Lipsky. “They’re hoping for the best, but who knows? They’re prepared, I think.”
Airlines have been preparing for the storm to hit. United Airlines has suspended service in and out of San Juan and the company is waiving change fees for flights booked through South Florida airports.
Debra Blair, of Wayne Township, says that she flew home Wednesday and says that the airports seem to be handling things well.
“It was really very, very calm. Everyone’s very collected. They’ve got it together,” she says. “They got us home very quickly, within 25 minutes earlier than we anticipated. I expect that they’re really moving the planes in and out very quickly.”
AAA has been helping travelers prepare to get out ahead of the storm. They are urging any traveler to heed any and all evacuation advisories and say that travelers should monitor weather reports and warnings.
More information about travel safety can be found
HERE.