What to do if you have travel plans in Hurricane Beryl’s path

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Hurricane Beryl is causing widespread airline cancellations and flight delays, all three of Jamaica’s international airports have closed as the Caribbean deals with the impact of the storm.

In the short-term, travel agents tell CBS 42 more flight cancellations and travel interruptions are expected. A Trussville woman who has family in Jamaica says it’s important that those who have trips booked to the area wait before cancelling.

Pauline Ford grew up in Jamaica, her two brothers and sister live on the island. She says it’s important for the whole Caribbean that after the hurricane passes, people continue travelling to the area.

“We are small countries, we do have some industries like bauxite, but tourism of course dominates the economy,” remarked Ford.

According to Ford, Jamaica has worked hard to ensure infrastructure is able to withstand storms like hurricane Beryl.

“The building codes thankfully, are very, very good in Jamaica. Unless there is something like a massive storm surge that really destroys hotels which has never happened, we have storm surges, but they have never destroyed any of the good structures, solid structures, along the beach front,” remarked Ford.

If you aren’t travelling to the Caribbean, but still flying, you could still see your plans impacted. Travel Agent Stephanie Locke says the hurricane will affect travel everywhere.

“There are always delays and sort of a ripple effect that occurs when something like this happens, and not just Caribbean destinations, but really globally,” said Locke, the Vacation Manager at ADTRAV.

Locke says the number one tip for travelers who may see their plans interrupted by weather is to sign up for the state departments safe traveler enrollment (STEP).

“Helps stay in touch with anything that is being communicated about a specific destination, and travel updates, and also for the embassy to get in touch with you should they need too,” added Locke.

The STEP program is free to sign up for and can be done in just minutes. To create an account to receive up to date information on travel destinations around the world, visit here.