Foreign Office issues hurricane warning to Brits in Florida
The Foreign Office is warning British holidaymakers in Florida and the surrounding areas to contact family and friends back home to let them know their plans as Hurricane Matthew approaches.
At 9.30am today, one edge of the storm was heading for Cape Canaveral in Florida, bringing winds of up to 120 miles per hour.
The FCO said: "Hurricane warnings and watches have been issued for some east coast states of the US; you should monitor weather reports and follow the advice of the local authorities, including if you’re ordered to evacuate.
"If you’re in an affected area, you should call family members and friends in the UK to let them know your plans before and after the hurricane."
The warning comes as Thomson and Thomas Cook announced delays to flights to and from Florida today.
Thomson has delayed two departures this morning, from Newcastle and Manchester to Sanford, Florida, for 24 hours and said it is ‘in the process of contacting customers directly impacted as a result of the delay to these flights’.
The airline added: "For customers in Florida, two scheduled departures will also be delayed. We have provided customers in Florida with overnight accommodation and food and drink for the duration of their delay.
"Our dedicated resort team in Florida are working with the relevant authorities and hoteliers to ensure everyone is looked after and kept updated with the latest information and advice."
Thomas Cook delayed yesterday’s Manchester-Miami flight for 24 hours and expects the service to fly at 12.10 UK time today.
Today’s Glasgow-Orlando return service and Manchester-Orlando return service have been delayed by 24 hours and will now fly on Saturday.
Thomas Cook warns: "Please be aware there may be congestion at Orlando Airport as there are many flights currently being rescheduled by other airlines at this time. Ensure that you leave plenty of time to get to the airport drop off and car hire and check in."
British Airways and Virgin have also cancelled flights and are allowing passengers to rebook on alternative dates or get a refund.
BA said: "Hurricane Matthew is currently affecting some of our flights to Florida as a number of airports in the region have been shut or may close in the coming days.
"We are doing all we can to assist customers who have been caught up in the storm, but if you are due to fly to/from Florida and other parts of south east America please check the status of your flight before leaving the airport."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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