You might consider cancelling your plans to travel to Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic or Grenada in the Caribbean.Travel Alert July 2021: Hurricane Elsa threatens the Western Caribbean IslandsMaximum sustained winds from Hurricane Elsa, currently located approximately 505 miles southeast Santo Domingo in Dominican Republic. It is moving west at 30 mph. The storm's maximum speed is 85 mph. This storm is currently classified as a Category 1 hurricane and is unlikely to intensify in the near future.The potential landfall of the 2021 Atlantic Basin's first hurricane could be at the southwestern tip Haiti at 2:00 AM on Sunday, July 4, 2021. However, even if it does not happen, the area will still feel the full impact of the hurricane, even if it passes to the west.The Dominican Republic's southern coast is under hurricane warning. It includes Punta Palenque and the border with Haiti. The Dominican Republic's southern portion of Haiti is from Port Au Prince to its southern border with the Dominican Republic.The Cuban provinces Camaguey and Granma are under hurricane watch.A tropical storm warning is in effect for Saint Lucia and Martinique, along with the coast of Haiti north from Port Au Prince and the south coast coast of Dominican Republic east Punta Palenque to Cabo Engano.The Dominican Republic's north coast, from Cabo Engano up to Bahia de Manzanillo and Cayman Brac, is under tropical storm watch.Storm surges can cause water levels to rise up to six feet higher than normal in areas with onshore winds, such as along Cuba's southern coast; four feet for the Dominican Republic and Haiti; and three feet in Jamaica.Forecasts for the Windward Islands (which includes Barbados) predict rainfall totals between 4 and 8 inches, with maximum amounts of 15 inches. 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, isolated maximums of 15 inches are possible. This rain could cause scattered flash flooding or mudslides.Flight cancellations, delays and waiversExpect delays and cancellations to flights if you travel to the western 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.These are the two airlines that have issued travel alerts in response to this tropical weather system.American Airlines issued travel alerts to: Nine airports in Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic for Friday, July 2, 2021 to Monday, July 5, 2020; Saturday, July 10, 20,21 is the last day tickets can be reissued. Rebooked travel must start on Saturday, July 10, 2021. Barbados, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines are closed for travel on Friday, July 2, 2021, through Saturday, August 3, 2021. Rebooking must start on Tuesday, July 6, 2021.Southwest Airlines has issued travel alerts: Southwest Airlines has issued a Travel Alert for Jamaica on Sunday, July 4, 2021. Sunday, July 18, 2021, is the last day tickets can be reissued.SummaryAs Hurricane Elsa moves along its path, expect more airline travel alerts as it affects southwestern Florida as an a tropical storm. This could happen 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
