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Airlines braced for onset of ‘devastating’ Hurricane Dorian

Airlines are being braced for the impact of Hurricane Dorian which is forecast to strike the US south-east coast on Monday with “devastating” gales set to reach 130mph.

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts that Dorian with intensify in strength to reach category 4 strength before weakening.

American Airlines has issued a travel alert for more than 25 airports in the Caribbean and Florida, including its Miami hub, although no flights have yet been cancelled.

British Airways said: “There is currently no change to our flight schedules, but we are reviewing the situation regularly.

“For parts of the Caribbean or Florida affected by Hurricane Dorian, we are offering flexible rebooking options for customers wishing to change their dates of travel.”

Virgin Atlantic is offering passengers flying to and from Florida until September 4 the option to rebook with fees waived but travel must be completed by September 9.

 A state of emergency has already been declared in Florida with Dorian expected to make landfall early on September 2 local time.

The NHC warned of the risk of “devastating hurricane force winds along the Florida east coast” in its latest advisory.

A spokesman told news agency Reuters that winds were expected to reach 130mph over the weekend.

High winds and rainfall from intense thunderstorms are anticipated, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in an updated travel advisory.

“You should monitor the progress of approaching storms on the US National Hurricane Center and follow instructions issued by the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.”

 

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