Irma is currently closing in on the Virgin Islands, where airports have shut down completely. Tropical Storm Jose is nearing hurricane strength with winds at 70 m.p.h.
» Hurricane Irma: Live updates
On Wednesday morning, approximately 913 flights in the U.S. had been cancelled and approximately 4,886 delays were issued across the country. Houston Bush International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport had the most cancellations and delays on Tuesday, while Puerto Rico’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport topped the list with 80 cancellations on Wednesday.
Local expert Jay Ratliff advised that travelers should check to see if their flight is on time before they leave for the airport. Because the tropical storm is “an act of God,” airlines won’t reschedule flights for free on other airlines, pay for hotels or give food vouchers, he said.
» RELATED: Target gives another $3M to Hurricane Harvey relief
Most flights out of the Dayton International Airport and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport have not been impacted yet, but local airports could see more delays as Irma makes its way to Florida.
The airlines — like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air and American Airlines — have issued a weather waivers, where passengers can change their dates of travel to a later time to avoid weather-related travel issues.
FIVE FAST BUSINESS READS
• Local Habitat for Humanity names new executive director
• Store openings and closings: What's going on in local retail?
• 5 new restaurants and retailers coming to The Greene
• At Home expands in Dayton: 5 things to know about the chain's growth
About the Author