Hurricane Helene: What to do if you plan to visit the Southeast

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on Thursday and began a brutal journey across the southeastern United States.

The storm inundated areas of the Gulf Coast and western Panhandle of Florida, eastern Tennessee, western North Carolina and parts of Georgia and South Carolina with record rainfall and devastating flooding. destroyed many places in the area. At this time, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida are all eligible for “Major Disaster Declaration” status, which provides federal disaster assistance, according to FEMA.

If you plan to travel to any of these areas, it is important to know that you may not be able to visit not only in the immediate future but also for an extended period of time while the recovery and cleanup process continues. cleanup continues.

Here’s a guide on what to do if you’re planning a trip to the southeastern United States to locations including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, western North Carolina or eastern Tennessee.

Is it safe to travel to the Southeast United States?

Western North Carolina

“Disaster” is the word most frequently used to describe storm conditions in western North Carolina and the area that includes Buncombe County, which includes the city of Asheville as well as large areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway. According to Washington Post Office, The Swannanoa River, which flows through Asheville’s historic Biltmore Village, “reached a record high of 26 feet on Friday afternoon, surpassing the last major flood, in 2004, by more than 6 feet.”

Therefore, Visit North Carolina, the North Carolina government’s tourism agency, has one stated on their website reads: “Travelers should not travel into mountainous areas and should call their travel provider to confirm alternative travel plans, including booking with accommodation providers and be aware of any guidance from local officials.” State Department of Transportation post on social networks that “All roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed.”

East Tennessee

Eastern region Tennessee, including Knoxville, was affected by flooding. Portions of Interstate 40 near the Tennessee-North Carolina border were washed away as well as several bridges in the area. (Note that although Nashville and Memphis both received record rainfall, they are both accessible and open to tourism.)

Some areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park also closed, including Newfound Gap Road/Hwy 441, Kuwohi Road (formerly known as Clingmans Dome Road) and the Cataloochee Valley area.

The National Park Service (NPS) is currently assessing conditions in the park following the storm. According to the NPS website“While we recognize that this is a popular time to visit the park, visitors are encouraged to reschedule their trip for their own safety. If visitors choose to visit, they are asked to reschedule their visit.” create responsibly—know your limits, avoid water recreation, and know that emergency response times may be delayed. Hiking and backcountry travel are not possible anticipate creek crossings, the possibility of downed trees, and other hazardous trail conditions that are currently restricted and have responded to several incidents (many unrelated to the storm). the past few days.”

Florida

According to the state’s official tourism website, Visit Florida“Hurricane Helene was a very large storm, affecting a large area of ​​Florida.” And so they have provided a list of resources to examine specific areas. the Tampa area as Sarasota and its barrier islands were particularly hard hit and are now difficult to reach. the Government of Sarasota is asking people, “Please avoid north and south Lido Beach. Storm recovery efforts are being disrupted by people trying to access the beach. If you do not necessarily need to be present in this area, please stay away.”

Georgia

All of Georgia is under one State of emergency from Governor KempHowever, airports remain open and many services are available. the Atlanta city is implementing a boil water order and expects to clear many of the 150 fallen trees in the city by October 2.

South Carolina

The state’s official tourism website, Explore South Carolinaadvises travelers, “Due to Hurricane Helene, please note that you may temporarily experience longer lines at some gas stations.” Many areas of western South Carolina, incl Greenvilleremains without power, although energy companies are aiming to restore power by October 4. “The public is asked to stay home and off the streets as cleanup efforts continue,” according to the Greenville government website.

When will the Southeast reopen after Hurricane Helene?

All affected states are currently in the process of assessing and mitigating damage, while waiting for electricity and water services to be fully restored.

PowerOutage.us reports that nearly 1.8 million people across the Southeast are currently without power.

Airlines allow flight changes in the Southeast region

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is delivering Flexible travel policy to and from Atlanta (ATL), Cancun (CUN), Orlando (MCO), Ft. Meyers (RSW) and Tampa (TPA).

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines does not have a current travel advisory.

American Airlines

American Airlines is waiving change fees for flights to, through or from Asheville (AVL).

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines does not currently have a travel advisory but always allows ticket changes without penalty.

Delta Airlines

Delta is delivering reset option to a large number of airports and destinations in the Southeast United States, Mexico and the Caribbean, including all Atlanta flights. However, changes must be made by October 1.

United Airlines

United allows free change to flights to and from Asheville through October 5.

What to do if you’ve booked a hotel or Airbnb in the Southeast

If you booked directly with a hotel, check their website first and see if they have posted any updates. You can also call the main booking number. Remember that many phones may not be working and properties may be dealing with a crisis, so calling the property directly should be a last resort.

If you book through an online travel agency (OTA) or a third-party aggregator like Expedia or Travelocity, it’s important to understand the cancellation policy. the The OTA still owns your booking before your tripso contacting the hotel directly will likely result in you being referred back to the OTA or travel portal for assistance.

“For affected hotels available on Expedia and Hotels.com, we are waiving our cancellation policy and sharing guidance with travelers whose trips are affected,” the company said. Vrbo, also owned by Expedia Group, has activated extenuating circumstances policy“for eligible bookings where travelers can receive a full refund. We will continue to work with Vrbo hosts with upcoming bookings in affected areas to ensure all Our tourists are treated fairly.”

For travelers who have booked accommodation with Airbnb, the company has enabled “major disruptive events policy” for regions in the Southeast. Eligible guests who book will receive a full refund, and both hosts and guests can cancel reservations without penalty, the company said. (Airbnb. org is also providing Free temporary housing for those displaced by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and Florida.)

What to do if you have a trip departing from Florida

For train passengers, it is important to understand the cancellation or rebooking policy for the specific train line you will be traveling on.

Currently, there are no cruise port closures in the affected areas. However, Tourist routes may need to be rerouted to avoid areas exposed to storms or their consequences. As TPG’s travel team reported, under the terms of the travel contract you agree to before departure, cruise lines don’t owe you compensation if they change your itinerary. If there are changes, you will be refunded for any shore excursions you booked through the cruise line that took place in ports you skipped. (Check directly with your tour provider if you have booked a third-party tour.)

TPG’s guide to What if a cruise Canceled is the next place to turn for guidance if you receive notification that your cruise is cancelled.

Related: What happens if my cruise line changes my itinerary or ship?

Does your credit card or trip insurance cover changes?

If you purchase travel insurance before Helene becomes a named storm, you will be able to offset most of your travel costs. Unfortunately, if you purchase an insurance policy after the storm is named, it is too late to purchase travel insurance.

“Insurance covers the unexpected,” says Jenna Hummer, director of public relations for Squaremouth (a company that provides comparisons of travel insurance from major US providers). in this case, once a tropical storm or superstorm has been named – you can’t get news about that storm anymore.”

“Trip cancellation and trip interruption refunds for prepaid, non-refundable expenses lost or unused due to the storm that left you unable to travel,” said Stan Sandberg, co-founder of TravelInsurance.com. to the destination”. “Many plans will also provide coverage if there is a mandatory evacuation order at the destination. Some plans will even provide coverage in case there is a NOAA hurricane warning at your destination during the days of travel calendar.”

Delay insurance will reimburse you for unexpected travel expenses such as food, transportation, internet service and lodging when your flight is delayed for an extended period of time.

Related: Top travel mistakes to avoid during storm season

As for trip insurance as part of a credit card benefit, Hummer says: “Remember that your credit card will not cover anything not purchased on that card.” “So if you haven’t paid for your entire trip with that card, or others in your party use another payment method, you won’t be fully covered.”

TPG has one comprehensive guide on a credit card that covers trip cancellations and interruptions as well as what can be covered in the event of a natural disaster.

Related: Your credit card travel insurance can help with 4 times the travel problems and 7 times it can’t.

How to help support recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene

If you want to help those in the path of the storm, there are several options for you to explore:

Bottom line

Hurricane Helene brought unprecedented rainfall and destruction across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The cleanup has just begun and may continue for some time. If you plan to travel to the area, check in advance to see if your accommodations are still open and if the area you plan to visit has electricity and running water. It may be wiser to delay or cancel your plans until a future date.

For more helpful tips on navigating travel during hurricane season, read: