- by foxnews
- 23 Nov 2024
Hurricane Oscar has caused significant disruptions across the travel industry in the Bahamas and Cuba, impacting major cruise lines, flights, and hotel stays. Royal Caribbean̢۪s Utopia of the Seas, Carnival Cruise Line̢۪s Carnival Glory and Carnival Sunshine, and Disney Cruise Line̢۪s Disney Wish have all been forced to alter their itineraries due to strong winds, with ships opting for sea days instead of docking as planned. Travelers to the region are also facing flight cancellations and hotel service interruptions as the storm moves through the southern Bahamas and is expected to hit eastern Cuba soon. This latest update provides all the critical information you need to stay informed about how Hurricane Oscar is impacting travel in these areas.
Though airports and cruise ports in the Northern and Central Bahamas, including Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), are still fully operational, travel to the Southern Bahamas has been severely impacted. Travelers with plans to visit this area are urged to remain in contact with airlines and hotels for any potential changes to their itineraries, as the storm progresses and weather conditions worsen.
Cruise Line Itinerary Changes Due to Strong Winds
During the scheduled docking times, winds were recorded at 15-20 mph, with gusts up to 30-35 mph, making it extremely challenging for ships to safely maneuver alongside piers. The windy conditions also caused concern about the stability of guest gangways, as the rocking of the ships could have made them hazardous.
Hurricane Oscar, now a Category 1 storm, is expected to remain at this intensity as it moves westward through the Greater Antilles. Early Sunday morning, it made landfall on Great Inagua Island in the southern Bahamas, and a second landfall is possible near Guantanamo or Holguin, Cuba, later today. Hurricane warnings have been issued for both the southeastern Bahamas and eastern Cuba, where conditions are expected to worsen over the next 24-48 hours.
Although Oscar poses no immediate threat to the United States, it is disrupting travel plans in the region with its heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges. Travelers planning to visit the Bahamas or Cuba in the coming days should closely monitor the situation and stay informed about potential travel restrictions or cancellations.
Meanwhile, remnants of Tropical Storm Nadine continue to impact travel across Central America. After making landfall near Belize City on Saturday afternoon with 60 mph winds, the storm has since dissipated over southern Mexico. However, its remnants are still bringing heavy rain and gusty winds across Belize, Guatemala, and parts of southern Mexico, causing further disruptions to travel.
Several airports and transportation routes in these regions could be affected by heavy rainfall and the potential for flash flooding and mudslides. The region is expected to see between 3 to 8 inches of rain, with some areas receiving up to 15 inches, making travel by road and air dangerous in the coming days.
As the remnants of Nadine continue to move westward across southern Mexico, travelers in these areas are advised to stay alert for any local advisories and possible evacuation orders.
Conclusion: Travel Disruptions Continue Across the Region
With unpredictable weather conditions and the potential for continued disruptions, travelers in these areas should stay informed and in close contact with airlines, cruise lines, and local authorities to ensure their safety and adjust their plans accordingly.
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