Waivers issued as Gulf Coast braces for Tropical Storm Barry
Airlines and hotel chains are preparing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Barry, the second named storm of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season.
The storm could make landfall as a hurricane along the northern Gulf Coast this weekend, bringing major flooding and high winds to parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
The US National Hurricane Center warned the slow-moving storm could become a Category 1 hurricane by later on Friday.
Marriott International has issued a statement saying it is closely monitoring the path of the storm.
"Our hotels in the predicted path of the storm have implemented storm preparation protocols. The safety of our guests and associates is always a top priority at Marriott," it said.
"In addition, we are in close contact with local authorities and, as always, will take guidance and direction from them as the situation warrants. We encourage those planning to travel to the storm area to check the news for the most current information and amend plans accordingly. Hotels in the impacted area are reviewing their cancellation fees; details may vary by hotel."
Meanwhile, airlines are issuing waivers to travelers who are potentially affected, mainly those flying to and from New Orleans or Houston but also to other airports.
No evacuations were ordered in New Orleans although residents have been advised to shelter in place.
On its current course Barry is expected to make landfall at Marsh Island, Louisiana which is about 100 miles from New Orleans.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season