You might consider cancelling your plans to travel to the eastern Caribbean islands in the next few days. Or, at the very least, keeping yourself informed about the weather conditions due to Tropical Storm Elsa. It could make landfall as early as Friday morning, July 2, 2021, before moving northwest towards Jamaica or Haiti.Travel Alert July 2021: Elsa will Impact Eastern Caribbean IslandsThe maximum sustained winds of Tropical Storm Elsa are currently located approximately 345 miles southeast from Barbados. It is moving west-northwest at 29 miles an hour and 45 miles per hour. This storm is considered a minimal tropical hurricane. However, it is expected that it will eventually intensify before at least one landfall on Barbados. This is likely to happen as early as Friday, July 2, 2021.At approximately noon on Friday, July 2nd 2021, a possible landfall could also occur on Saint Lucia or Saint Vincent & the Grenadines.A tropical storm warning is in effect for Barbados and Martinique, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and Grenadines.A tropical storm watch is in effect for Grenada, its dependencies, and the southern and Western coasts of Haiti, from the Dominican Republic's southern border to Le Mole Saint Nicholas. The Dominican Republic's southern coast extends from the southern boundary of Haiti eastward to Punta Palenque and Jamaica.Storm surges can cause water levels to rise by up to three feet in areas with onshore winds near the Dominican Republic and Haiti's southern coasts.On Friday, July 2, 2021, rain totals between 3 and 6 inches, with maximum amounts of 10 in the Windward Islands (which includes Barbados) are forecast. As a result, flash flooding or mudslides may occur in isolated areas.In Puerto Rico, rains of up three inches with localized amounts up to five inches is possible Friday through Saturday. This could lead to flash flooding, minor river flooding, and possibly mudslides.On Saturday, July 3, 2021, parts of southern Haiti and the Dominican Republic could see rainfall amounts up to eight inches. However, this is only an isolated area. This rain could cause scattered flash flooding or mudslides.Flight cancellations, delays and waiversExpect delays and cancellations to flights if you travel to the eastern Caribbean islands in the next few days. Stay informed about the latest information regarding this tropical weather system that could adversely impact your travel plans. You can postpone or cancel your trip, regardless of the mode of travel.You may be eligible to waive a fee to modify your itinerary if you have a flight booked.This tropical weather system has prompted one airline to issue travel alerts:American Airlines has issued travel alerts to Barbados, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines from Friday, July 2, 2021, through Saturday, July 3, 2020. Tuesday, July 6, 2021, is the last day tickets can be reissued.SummaryAs Tropical Storm Elsa moves along its path, do not be surprised to see more travel alerts issued by airlines. It could affect Southwest Florida as soon as Tuesday, July 6, 2021.If your travel plans are affected by adverse weather conditions, please contact your airline.Source: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of Department of Commerce of United States.This is what you can do: ShareLinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterestEmail
