Louisiana Braces for Hurricane Francine: Flight Change Waivers and Weather Warnings

Tropical Storm Francine is gaining strength as it remains on track to hit Louisiana.

As of 7 a.m. CST on Tuesday, the storm was about 395 miles south-southwest of Cameron, Louisiana, traveling north at 5 mph. The NHC says that the storm should be just offshore of the coasts of northeastern Mexico and southern Texas through today, then make landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday.

Winds are currently near 65 mph with high gusts. The storm is expected to grow stronger on Tuesday, becoming a hurricane “with significant strengthening” before it reaches the coast. Some expect it to reach Category 2 strength, which would mean winds of close to 100 mph.

In terms of warnings, portions of the Texas coast are in the Tropical Storm watch area starting today and tonight, and that area will grow to eastern Louisiana on Wednesday.

For now, the National Weather Service (NWS) in New Orleans/Baton Rouge is telling those along the Louisiana coast to prepare for “heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, gusty winds, and even a few tornadoes to the area,” starting on Tuesday night and running through Thursday morning. The NWS added that small changes in Francine’s track could result in large changes to the forecast.

Travel waivers

As of Tuesday morning, Francine has yet to have a big effect, but some impact is expected.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport said on Tuesday that it is “monitoring Tropical Storm Francine” and “its potential impacts on our area.”

“Passengers with travel scheduled to or from [Louis Armstrong] over the next few days may be affected and are advised to check directly with their airline for the most up-to-date flight information,” it said.

U.S. airlines have already put some travel waivers in place that might expand if the forecast changes.

Air Canada has a waiver for all flights through New Orleans (MSY) for all day on Sept. 11 and 12, allowing those impacted to make changes to their booking without penalty, space permitting.

American Airlines has a waiver out for travel through most south Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana airports including Baton Rouge (BTR), Corpus Christi (CRP), Houston Bush (IAH), Houston Hobby (HOU), and New Orleans (MSY). American’s waiver runs through Sept. 13 and allows for changes for new flights through Sept. 17 without penalty.

Delta Air Lines has a waiver for Alexandria (AEX), Baton Rouge (BTR), Gulfport (GPT), Jackson (JAN), Lafayette (LFT), Little Rock (LIT), Mobile (MOB), and New Orleans (MSY), for travel through Sept. 11. Delta is allowing changes to be made for flights through Sept. 14 without penalty.

JetBlue has a waiver for travel through New Orleans (MSY) for Sept. 12. Flights can be changed for new ones through Sept. 14 without penalty.

Southwest Airlines has a travel waiver for Corpus Christi (CRP), Destin (VPS), Harlingen (HRL), Houston (HOU), Jackson (JAN), New Orleans (MSY), Panama City Beach (ECP), and Pensacola (PNS) for flights through Sept. 12. Southwest is allowing travelers to book a new flight within 14 days of the original one without additional charges.

United Airlines has a waiver out for most airports in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, along with Pensacola (PNS), Florida for flights through Sept. 12 and allows for changes to new flights through Sept. 18.

Cruise ship changes

Carnival Cruise Line has two ships in the area. Carnival Liberty left Port of New Orleans on Sunday, headed on a seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary. Carnival Valor, currently on a five-day Western Caribbean sailing of its own, is scheduled to come into Port of New Orleans on Thursday,

A spokesperson for Carnival told TMR on Monday afternoon that no changes have been made to either itinerary yet.