Due to the effects from Hurricane Tammy as it impacts the Leeward Islands October 2023, you may want to consider delaying your travel — or, at least, keep yourself updated as to the latest information pertaining to the weather — if this region is in your travel plans over the next few days.
Hurricane Tammy Impacts Leeward Islands: October 2023 Travel Alert
Maximum sustained winds of Hurricane Tammy — which is currently approximately 50 miles east southeast of Guadeloupe and moving northwest at a speed of eight miles per hour — are at 85 miles per hour; and landfall may occur on the island of La Desirade east of the other islands of Guadeloupe or the islands of Antigua and Barbuda as early as noon today, Saturday, October 21, 2023. This tropical system had slowed down in forward momentum, which allowed it to strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane sooner than expected.
Up to as much as 12 inches of rain can fall in local areas of across the Leeward Islands and northern Windward Islands, as the British Virgin Islands and United States Virgin Islands into eastern Puerto Rico may experience as much as four inches of rain.
Barbuda was completely devastated after Hurricane Irma ravaged it in September of 2017 prior to the arrival of Hurricane Maria. Barbuda may experience significant damage from Hurricane Tammy later today.
After Hurricane Tammy leaves the Leeward Islands, it is expected to remain as a hurricane over the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean — but it may affect Bermuda as early as late next week. Hurricane Tammy may strengthen further; but it is not expected to become a major hurricane.
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for:
- Guadeloupe
- Antigua
- Barbuda
- Montserrat
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Anguilla
- Sint Maarten
- Saint Martin
- Saint Barthelemy
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for:
- Saba
- Sint Eustatius
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
- Saba
- Sint Eustatius
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:
- Martinique
- British Virgin Islands
A storm surge of up to three feet above normal tide levels, large swells of surf, localized flash flooding, strong rip currents, windy conditions, and the aforementioned significant precipitation are all possible. Electrical power outages are likely to occur; and an isolated tornado may be possible.
Flight Waivers, Delays, and Cancellations
If you are traveling to the Leeward Islands over the next few days, expect delays and cancellations of flights. Keep up to date on the latest information pertaining to this tropical weather system which may adversely affect your travel plans. Better yet, postponing or canceling your trip might be a better option — no matter which mode of travel you plan on taking.
If you have a flight scheduled, your flight may be delayed or canceled — and you may be eligible for a waiver of a fee to change your itinerary. If you are driving in any of these areas, watch out for deteriorating weather conditions and traffic problems.
Here are eight airlines which have issued travel alerts as a result of this tropical weather system:
- American Airlines has issued travel alerts for nine airports in eight countries for Friday, October 20, 2023 through Monday, October 23, 2023; and Thursday, October 26, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Delta Air Lines has issued travel alerts for San Juan, Saint Lucia, Sint Maarten, and Saint Thomas for Friday, October 20, 2023 through Monday, October 23, 2023; and Wednesday, October 25, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- JetBlue Airways has issued travel alerts for Bridgetown, Saint Lucia, Sint Maarten, and Saint Thomas for Friday, October 20, 2023 through Saturday, October 21, 2023; and Wednesday, October 25, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Spirit Airlines has issued travel alerts for Saint Croix, Sint Maarten, and Saint Thomas for Friday, October 20, 2023 through Saturday, October 21, 2023; and Thursday, October 26, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Sun Country Airlines has issued a travel alert for San Juan for Saturday, October 21, 2023; and Saturday, October 28, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Air Canada has issued travel alerts for Antigua and Pointe-à-Pitre for Saturday, October 21, 2023.
- WestJet Airways has issued travel alerts for Oranjestad, Bridgetown, and Punta Cana for Saturday, October 21, 2023.
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has issued travel alerts for San Juan, Saint Lucia, Sint Maarten, and Saint Thomas for Friday, October 20, 2023 through Sunday, October 22, 2023; and Wednesday, October 25, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
Final Boarding Call
Be sure to contact your airline or transportation provider for the latest information pertaining to your travels — if they are adversely affected — and please: travel safely.
Source: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce of the United States.
