Travelers relieved to make it to Connecticut ahead of Hurricane Helene

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — As Hurricane Helene barrels towards Florida, several airports closed, and airlines canceled flights.

“When we were still at the resort, the rain came in, the wind came in, and we thought for sure they were going to cancel it,” Kathy Morales of Milford said. “We were good, and we were on time!”

Morales and Fernanda Pinto shared their relief with News 8 after they landed at Tweed New Haven Airport on Thursday. They were traveling back to Connecticut from Florida.

“Up to the airport, it was raining, and it was windy, and we were nervous about making it here,” Pinto said.

Other travelers we spoke with said they had to make alternate plans.

“My flight out was actually canceled yesterday, so my husband drove me to Orlando because I’m coming up for my grandson’s 3rd birthday,” said Nelda, who’s visiting Connecticut from Florida.

Edward Medina, who’s from Connecticut but lives in Florida, said he took precautions before leaving home.

“Put up some sandbags around my little house there in case it floods in Orlando,” Medina said. “I was a little worried. It was intensifying. The bands were getting bigger.”

Stamford-based Americares is deploying a response team to Florida. They’re expected to be on the ground this weekend to support health needs in the affected areas, including delivering medicines and relief supplies.

“This is a massive storm system – one of the largest we have seen in years – and we know people in the most affected areas will need help to recover,” Americares U.S. Director of Emergency Response Mariel Fonteyn said.

If you or a loved one are traveling from Florida, you’re being reminded to check with your airline carrier to see if there are any changes to your itinerary.

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