Return to the NBTA Hurricane Resource Page

September 2, 2005

Associations Scramble to Find New Convention Space
Associations across the country are facing many challenges as the search for new venues to hold annual conventions and trade shoes previously scheduled to take place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, reports the Los Angeles Times.  For large shows, finding a venue that can hold tens of thousands of attendees that still has availability for the remainder of 2005 is proving to be easier said than done.  If relocation isn’t an option, associations have to completely cancel their annual events, some of which make up more than half of their annual operating revenue.  New Orleans is ranked seventh in number of trade shows per year.  Full Story

Fuel Prices Deterring Few Travelers
As the holiday weekend begins, travelers are faced with gas shortages and skyrocketing prices, reports the New York Times.  Spot shortages are expected in the Midwest and Northeast this weekend and increases in fuel prices show no signs of stabilizing.  Despite these uncertainties, few travelers are canceling their travel plans.  Potential cancellations and postponements are causing concern for hotels, car rental companies and airlines.  Full Story

Airline Helps Katrina Victims
Continental Airlines has donated 1,000 tickets to various relief agencies to help residents displaced by the hurricane relocate, reports New York Newsday.  The airline will also donate one million frequent flier miles to the American Red Cross and AmeriCares to help support relief efforts.  Full Story

September 1, 2005

New Orleans Cancels All Conventions for Next 60 Days
The New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau has cancelled all conventions for the next 60 days, reports the Chicago Tribune.  The bureau will provide assistance to those with meetings planned in the city through relocation or rescheduling.  The news of cancellations has sent meeting planners scrambling to find alternate locations, swap dates with other convention centers and make decisions about scaling back plans, or canceling them all together.  Full Story | New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau

Fuel Shortages Faced By Airlines, Airports Remain Closed
BusinessWeek reports that airlines are facing potential fuel shortages because of disruptions in production following damage to refineries in the Gulf Coast.  As airports along the east coast take measures to conserve fuel, the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and Gulfport Airport remain closed to commercial flights indefinitely.  Minimal damage was sustained at each airport, but with no power, runway lights or navigation aids, only humanitarian relief flights completed during daylight hours are permitted.  All of the nation’s major airports have cancelled flights to the region until at least Monday. Full Story

Recovery Hindered by a Number of Factors
Though Louisiana and Mississippi are expected to recover from the disastrous affects of Hurricane Katrina, the states’ progress may be slower than that of other areas faced by tragedy in recent years, reports the Los Angeles Times.  Unlike other regions struck by catastrophic events, all three of the area’s economic drivers – tourism, ports and energy – have sustained massive blows and will require major rebuilding as recovery begins.  Louisiana and Mississippi also have two of the lowest per capita incomes in the country, making it difficult for its residents to rebuild.  Extensive damage to the areas’ infrastructure, including bridges and electrical systems, will further delay progress in recovery.  Full Story

Employers Provide Assistance to Affected Employees
Employers across America are taking steps to ensure that their employees in the regions stricken by Hurricane Katrina are provided for and safe, reports USA Today.  Companies are renting trucks to deliver generators, cooking meals, setting up mobile tents, transporting supplies and providing emotional support to workers in affected regions.  Others are helping find temporary housing for those who cannot return home.  Full Story

First Flight into New Orleans Rescues Stranded Travelers
More than 100 travelers and airline employees were rescued Tuesday afternoon when an American Airlines jet carrying bottled water and non-perishable food landed on the New Orleans International Airport’s only usable runway, reports the Star Telegram.  The plane carried 188 passengers and workers from American, US Airways, Northwest Airlines and Southwest Airlines to Dallas-Fort Worth Airport where they caught connecting flights or stayed overnight at nearby hotels.  Following word of the airport’s operability, Southwest Airlines completed a similar rescue mission.  Full Story

Hurricane Evacuees Feel Strain of Holiday Weekend
People who fled the wrath of Hurricane Katrina are now becoming victims of the Labor Day holiday weekend, reports USA Today.  Hotel managers are now faced with the dilemma of honoring guaranteed hotel reservations and forcing the evacuees to leave or finding alternative places for people to stay.  Many hotels are calling those with room reservations to see if their room could be released or are refusing reservations until confirming that all of the evacuees have found another place to stay.  Full Story

Companies Struggle to Deliver Paychecks
As companies begin surveying the damage done to their operations, they are struggling with two problems – how generous can they afford to be to employees who have lost both their homes and work because of Hurricane Katrina, and how can they deliver paychecks when they do not know the location of employees, reports the Washington Post.  Some of companies quoted in the article are extending pay and benefits by as many as 90 days, while others are extending by as little as through the remainder of the week.  The Department of Labor is setting up places for refugees to apply for unemployment aid at shelters.  Full Story

August 31, 2005

Fuel Shortages Causing Delays, Cancellations
Fuel shortages at airports are causing delays and cancellations as airlines resume operating schedules after Hurricane Katrina disrupted travel across the country, reports the New York Times.  The supply of jet fuel is down more than 13 percent since the storm damaged oil refineries on the Gulf Coast.  Charlotte, N.C., Fort Meyers and West Palm Beach, Fla. are among the airports where fuel levels are low.  Washington Dulles International Airport and Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport are the two largest airports impacted by the shortage, each of which receives oil supplies from Louisiana and Mississippi.  Adding to the concerns of the airlines is the possibility that refineries may choose to produce gasoline instead of jet fuel, which would further increase the shortages.  Full Story

Airports in Hurricane Ravaged Areas Remain Closed
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and Gulfport-Biloxi Airport remain closed as their surrounding areas slowly begin the recovery and clean-up stages after Hurricane Katrina tore through the South, reports USA Today.  No estimation has been announced as to when the airports will resume commercial flights.  Further hindering the airports’ ability to reopen is the lack of present staff.  Southwest Airlines, the carrier with the largest volume into New Orleans, flew most of its employees and their families to Texas before the storm made landfall.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also restricted much of the airspace over the affected gulf region because of damage to radio and radar systems.  Full Story

August 30, 2005

Confirmation Number Doesn’t Guarantee Hotel Room
Travelers stranded by Hurricane Katrina are finding that just because they have a hotel confirmation or have reserved a room with a credit card number does not mean that they are guaranteed a place to stay in times of disaster, reports the Washington Post.  Reservations booked through only travel sites may not have been confirmed with the most up-to-date hotel information, causing the sites to reserve more rooms than are available.  Or, hotels may ignore confirmations completely and rent rooms to travelers who call directly or walk in off the street.  Travelers are encouraged to confirm reservations directly with the hotel to ensure they will have a room when reaching their destination.  Full Story

Katrina Causing Headaches for Airlines
As Hurricane Katrina dwindles into a tropical depression, it is causing major financial headaches for the nation’s airlines, reports the Chicago Tribune.  Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines are the most impacted by the storm because of recent flirtations with bankruptcy.  Cancelled flights, disrupted service, a slowing of travel for the fall season and rising fuel prices could all contribute to the airlines filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the near future.  Full Story

Hurricane Could Disrupt Convention Season in New Orleans
Hurricane Katrina slammed into New Orleans, one of the nation’s most popular convention destinations, just as the city prepared for the September meetings season, reports USA Today.  Many hotels in the area are currently insisting they will be open for business after the Labor Day holiday.  Two of the largest conventions being hosted in New Orleans this fall are expected to bring in 47,000 attendees to the city.  Each has confirmed the event will take place as scheduled.  The lasting implications of the storm’s fury could hurt the city’s convention business as meeting planners are reminded of the dangers of planning events in coastal regions during hurricane season.  Full Story

August 29, 2005

Hurricane Torments Gulf Coast
Hurricane Katrina, a category four storm, tormented the Gulf Coast Monday posing a significant danger to the cities in its path, reports the Washington Post.  This is the largest storm to hit the region since Hurricane Camille in 1969.  President Bush had declared a state of emergency for Louisiana and Mississippi to help the states coordinate relief efforts.  Full Story

Katrina Causes Delays, Cancellations
Hurricane Katrina’s wrath is being felt by travelers as the massive storm causes delays and cancellations at airports across the south, reports USA Today.  Six airports in Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi have suspended flights, and other major hubs including Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport and Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport have already reported weather delays.  As the storm system travels northward, delays are expected in Midwestern cities such as Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Detroit.  Full Story

Hurricane Katrina Causes Increase in Fuel Costs
Hurricane Katrina’s stay in the Gulf of Mexico has caused a disruption in oil production and could cause damage to offshore facilities, causing a jump in crude oil prices, reports Business Travel News.  Industry analysts predict the higher cost in fuel, which is now at more than $70 per barrel, could force Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines into Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to increased operating costs.  Full Story

iJet Hurricane Katrina Update
Officials downgraded Hurricane Katrina to Category 4 at 0300 Aug. 29, but its strength is fluctuating and it remains very dangerous. The storm's eye was forecast to make landfall just east of Grand Isle, La. at approximately 0700 local time Aug. 29 as either a Category 4 or 5 storm. The southeastern Louisiana coast was experiencing hurricane-force winds (74 mph/119 kph) before the storm made landfall. Sustained winds of up to 160 mph (257 kph) are likely in the area of landfall.

Hurricane force winds extend outward 85 miles (137 km) from the storm's center and tropical storm force winds extend outward 185 miles (298 km). Officials in Louisiana have issued mandatory and voluntary evacuations. Authorities in Louisiana and Mississippi imposed a curfew from 2100 to 0600 Aug. 28-29 and imposed states of emergency. Katrina may remain as powerful as Category 2 as it moves north through Mississippi, northern Alabama and western Tennessee through Aug. 30.

At 0400 local time Aug. 29, Katrina was centered about 90 miles (145 km) south-southeast of New Orleans, and about 120 miles (195 miles) south-southwest of Biloxi, Miss. Katrina was moving north at 15 mph (24 kph) and is forecast to gradually turn to the north-northeast.

At 1600 local time Aug. 27, authorities turned all lanes on Interstates 10, 12, 55 and 59 in Louisiana and Mississippi outbound and away from the coast. Interstate 10 westbound out of New Orleans is gridlocked. Officials have called for mandatory and voluntary evacuations on Grand Isle and in St. Charles, Lafourche, Terresbonne, Plaguemines and St. Bernard parishes of Louisiana.

Tornadoes are likely to accompany the storm across southern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama and the Florida panhandle. Anticipate severe flooding and damaging high winds throughout the area. Storm surge may broach levees surrounding New Orleans and floodwaters may inundate the city. Avoid low-lying areas. The storm is likely to disrupt telecommunications and electrical services, and evacuees are causing severe transportation disruptions. Avoid driving through water on roadways, as it could be deeper than it appears.

iJET Analysis

The latest National Hurricane Center advisories:

• Hurricane Warning: North central Gulf coast from Morgan City, La. eastward to the Alabama/Florida border, including New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain.
• Tropical Storm Warning/Hurricane Watch: East of the Alabama/Florida border to Destin Fla. and from west of Morgan City to Intracoastal City, La.
• Tropical Storm Warning: Destin, Fla. eastward to Indian Pass, Fla. and from Intracoastal City, La. westward to Cameron, La.

Airport closures:

New Orleans International Airport flight information: www.flymsy.com Phone: 1-504-471-3380

Forecast track and probabilities are available from the National Hurricane Center:www.nhc.noaa.govLocal flood watches and warnings are available from the National Weather Service: www.nws.noaa.gov

Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 1-225-925-7500www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/default.htm

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency: 1-601-352-9100

TRANSPORTATION FOR REST OF THE REGION

Air Service
Most airports will suspend flight operations - and may close to travelers - when sustained winds reach 45-50 mph or gusts reach 60-65 knots (69-74 mph). Flights using smaller commuter aircraft will be affected first. Airlines have already canceled service into New Orleans (MSY) and they are likely to expand to other destinations (MSY status: www.flymsy.com/Katrina.htm; phone 1-504-471-3380). Check with your carrier for storm-related reservation and ticket policies. Airport status information for south-central and southeastern U.S. airports is available from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the Web at: www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/scmap.jsp. Be advised that airports do not dictate individual airlines' decisions to cancel specific flights.

Check airport and airline Web sites for updates. Passenger volume at all airports in the storm path may be high in advance of deteriorating weather; plan to arrive at the airport early.

Rail Service

Rail ServiceAmtrak regional service is modified or canceled including the City of New Orleans, Crescent and Sunset Limited. Contact Amtrak for updates. Web: www.amtrak.com; phone 1-800-872-7245.

Road Travel
Mandatory evacuations of both residents and visitors from other impacted locations are likely. Heavy traffic congestion is already reported around New Orleans and on designated evacuation routes/interstate highways. Major highways have been and may use all lanes "one-way" for evacuations. Travel to impacted destinations may be restricted. Fuel supply is being affected and distribution will likely be disrupted further; ensure your vehicle is filled in advance. Flooding and debris will close roads and prompt detours as Katrina comes ashore sometime Aug. 29. All impacted city transportation and bus services will halt operations as conditions dictate. Many bridges and overpasses will close when winds increase to around 40 mph sustained; authorities may restrict high-profile vehicle access at lower wind speeds.

Source: iJet Daily Intelligence Briefing – August 29, 2005

Transportation: Disruptions widespread across Southeast U.S. Aug. 29 due to Hurricane Katrina.

The locations affected by this alert are:

Houston, TX
Memphis, TN
Nashville, TN
New Orleans, LA
Birmingham, AL*
Chattanooga, TN*
Jackson, MS*
Little Rock, AR*
Mobile, AL*
Shreveport, LA*
Pensacola, FL*

This alert began 29 Aug 2005 18:25 GMT and is scheduled to expire 30 Aug 2005 23:59 GMT.

Transportation disruptions continue across the Southeast U.S. Aug. 29 as Hurricane Katrina lashes the Gulf Coast near the Louisiana-Mississippi border and moves north over land. Officials are beginning to report catastrophic impact across a broad area from the storm, which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane and was a Category 2 storm at 1400 EDT Aug. 29. New Orleans, Mississippi and Alabama are under a state of emergency, with trees down, streets flooded (including some major highways), structural damage to small and large buildings, many airports closed and telecommunications disrupted. Expect conditions to deteriorate and expand inland as hurricane force winds are forecast to continue until 2300 EDT and as far as 150 miles inland from the point of landfall.

Air Service
Most airports will suspend flight operations - and may close to travelers - when sustained winds reach 45-50 mph or gusts reach 60-65 knots (69-74 mph). Flights using smaller commuter aircraft will be affected first. See the following list of specific airport closures and scheduled re-openings where available:

Expect severe flight delays on all service to, from and through the central Gulf Coast for at least the next 24 hours. Damage to airports may cause these delays to continue for several days. Check with your carrier for storm-related reservation and ticket policies. Airport status information for Southeastern U.S. airports is available from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the Web at: www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/scmap.jsp.

Rail Service
Amtrak regional service is modified or canceled including the City of New Orleans, Crescent and Sunset Limited. These cancellations and delays will impact travel to New Orleans from Chicago, New York, Orlando and Los Angeles. Contact Amtrak for updates. Web: www.amtrak.com (see "News" at top of page); phone 1-800-872-7245.

Road Travel
Flooding and debris has closed roads and prompted detours. Hard hit areas have experienced complete transportation shutdowns and loss of all emergency services as responders have been grounded. All impacted city transportation and bus services have halted operations and un-evacuated residents are either in shelters or remaining indoors as conditions dictate.

Bridges and overpasses not yet closed will do so when winds increase to around 40 mph sustained; authorities may restrict high-profile vehicle access at lower wind speeds. Some low lying bridges are expected to wash out; electrical outages will impact traffic and street lights.

Heavy traffic congestion will result when residents who were evacuated Aug. 28 return home. Travel to impacted destinations may be restricted. Fuel supply is being affected and distribution will likely be disrupted further; ensure your vehicle is filled in advance.

Ports/Cruise Operations
The Port of New Orleans is closed. The Port of Mobile closed as of 0200 local time Aug. 29, with only minimal staff reporting and most vessels evacuated. Other seaports may close as conditions dictate. Cruise lines have repositioned ship sailings and modified itineraries. Cancellations are possible. Contact your cruise line or travel arranger as soon as possible for updated information on specific ship sailings.

Other Impact
Much if New Orleans reportedly flooded due to heavy rain and storm surge of up to 20 feet. Heavy flooding will also affect all towns and cities along the southern coast of Alabama and Mississippi. Widespread power outages of long duration are impacting all transportation services. Hotels outside the storm's direct path are likely to experience capacity bookings as evacuees and travelers move inland to wait out Katrina. Verify all appointments and reservations at least throughout the week. Rebuilding and recovery from this storm will take months in the hardest-hit areas.

Source: iJet WorldCue Alert - August 29, 2005