How Hurricane Dorian is affecting Bahamas and US travelers

Marnie Hunter and Francesca Street, CNN
Posted:
Updated:
by Marnie Hunter and Francesca Street, CNN
How Hurricane Dorian is affecting Bahamas and US travelers
NOAA
NOAA's forecast for the path of Hurricane Dorian as of Monday, September 2 at 4 a.m. ET.

Hurricane Dorian has travelers scrambling to stay out of harm’s way and reroute plans in affected areas.

While devastating for residents in the storm’s path, the hurricane also spells trouble for travelers in damaged or threatened areas of the Bahamas, Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.

Devastation in The Abacos and Grand Bahama

Dorian lashed the northern Bahamas for two days, causing catastrophic damage in The Abacos and Grand Bahama.

“There are no words to convey the grief we feel for our fellow Bahamians in The Abacos and Grand Bahama,” said Dionisio D’Aguilar, Bahamas minister of tourism and aviation, in a statement on Wednesday.

Hotels in The Abacos and Grand Bahama Island are closed, according to the tourism ministry.

Also closed: Grand Bahama International Airport, Grand Bahama Island’s Freeport Harbour and Leonard Thompson International Airport (MHH) in Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

“Now is the time to come together for our brothers and sisters in need and help our country get back on its feet,” D’Aguilar said, highlighting www.bahamas.com/relief, a website for verified ways to provide support.

Most of The Bahamas’ other islands are open for business.

“We also implore travelers to continue visiting the Bahamian islands that were not impacted by Hurricane Dorian as this will help our people tremendously,” D’Aguilar said.

Nassau, other islands open for business

The Bahamas capital of Nassau and neighboring Paradise Island are receiving visitors and hotels remain open.

Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau is open, but visitors should check with their airlines on flight status. Nassau ports are also open and operational, although cruise line schedules may change.

Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Andros are also welcoming visitors, according to the tourism ministry.

Islands in the southeastern and central Bahamas were largely unaffected, including The Exumas, Cat Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Long Island, Acklins/Crooked Island, Ragged Island, Mayaguana and Inagua.

Transport and travel

Airlines including Delta,