ORLANDO, Fla. – The holidays are a time for gathering with family, cooking and celebrating, but since severe weather doesn’t adhere to a schedule, it’s important to remember that weather could still disrupt holiday plans.
Here’s a Q&A guide on what to do if storms impact your holidays.
Q: What should I do if the weather could impact my holiday flights?
A: Holiday flights are already high-traffic, and bad weather could cause widespread delays or cancellations, especially at Florida airports.
- What to do: Download your airline’s app to stay updated on any changes to your flight. Aim for a direct flight if possible and consider rescheduling to an earlier date if the storm appears likely to disrupt travel on your intended day. Be ready to reschedule if necessary—many airlines waive fees during severe weather events. Check your airline’s policies for up-to-date information.
Q: Will my cruise be affected by severe weather?
A: Severe weather can certainly impact cruise plans, as cruise lines often alter routes to avoid storms or even cancel voyages if conditions are unsafe. If you have a cruise booked for the holidays and severe weather is forecasted, you may see changes to your itinerary.
- What to do: Stay in touch with your cruise line and check for any updates to the itinerary. Many cruise lines offer compensation or rebooking options if they must cancel or shorten trips due to weather. If you haven’t done so, consider travel insurance to cover unexpected changes.
Q: Should I stock up early on holiday groceries?
A: Yes, it’s smart to buy holiday ingredients early, as a storm could lead to supply shortages or power outages in certain areas.
- What to do: Purchase non-perishables (like canned goods, dry ingredients, and drinks) early. Also consider shopping for perishables early and storing them safely in case of a power outage. For safety, the FDA recommends not opening your refrigerator or freezer unless necessary during an outage to keep foods cold.
Q: Should I hold off on putting up outdoor holiday decorations?
A: If a storm is expected, hold off on decorating until the threat has passed. Wind and rain can damage decorations and create dangerous flying debris.
- What to do: Wait to put up your holiday decorations if there’s a storm threat. If you’ve already put decorations up and severe weather is on the horizon, consider bringing them inside temporarily to protect them (and your property).
Q: How can I keep holiday leftovers safe during a potential power outage?
A: Power outages are common after severe weather, which can make keeping holiday leftovers fresh a challenge.
- What to do: Keep coolers and extra ice packs handy in case you need to store food outside the fridge. If power is out for more than four hours, avoid opening the refrigerator to keep cold air inside. Perishable items (like cooked meats, dairy, and eggs) should be discarded after four hours without power to ensure food safety.
Q: Should I plan alternative holiday activities?
A: If severe weather impacts your area, some holiday plans, especially travel, may need to change. While this isn’t ideal, having a backup plan can help salvage your holidays.
- What to do: Think about alternatives, like hosting a smaller gathering with nearby family or holding a virtual celebration. You could prepare a small meal or share recipes to cook remotely with family. If road conditions or travel issues arise, consider postponing your plans to ensure everyone’s safety.
Q: How can I keep track of storm developments?
A: Our meteorologists are hard at work to provide tracking for severe weather. You can track weather forecasts here or download our News 6 Pinpoint Weather app!