Hurricane Charley Heads Towards Florida Gulf Coast

August 13, 2004

Hurricane Charley Heads Towards Florida Gulf Coast
August 13, 2004 – Hundreds of thousands of Florida residents are being evacuated as Hurricane Charley strengthens, making its way to the Florida Gulf Coast today. On Thursday, the hurricane was updated to category two status.

Travelers flying to and from Florida can expect cancellations and/or major delays. USA Today reports that flights at Tampa are still flying, though the Tampa Tribune reports that all flights will likely be canceled by this afternoon. Most of the 23 airlines that serve Tampa had already canceled flights for this afternoon and evening, airport officials told the paper late Thursday.

"Some strengthening is possible and Charley is forecast to be a major hurricane as it approaches the Florida west coast," the National Hurricane Center reported in its 7 a.m. advisory Friday morning.

Travel Weekly reports that Amtrak has canceled rail services to destinations in Florida. Cruise schedules have also been altered, as Carnival Cruise lines has revised the schedules for the Carnival Triumph, the Paradise, and the Carnival Conquest.

NTA will work to bring you additional travel information as we get it.