T.F. Green travelers stay calm amidst minor delays, cancellations with Idalia in Florida
WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — As Tropical Storm Idalia hit Florida, travelers coming to and from the Ocean State experienced flight delays and cancellations.
Most travelers at T.F. Green International Airport on Wednesday were calm, saying the storm is not heavily affecting where they were, or are heading to in Florida. However, people said if they aren’t being affected directly by the storm, they know someone who is.
Two cousins, Roberta Polinsky and Lucy Ripa were headed to West Palm Beach from T.F. Green.
“My concern is that we have a smooth ride and that we’re getting home on time,” Polinsky said.
“Hopefully we’re going to get off on time and get home safely and I just hope everyone else stays safe,” Ripa added.
They told ABC 6 News that their main concern is a safe flight. Both also said luckily, the storm isn’t expected to hit where they live.
Polinsky said her children who live in Florida evacuated to her home in West Palm Beach.
“My granddaughter works in Tampa so she came everyday to Lake Worth,” Polinsky. “The other one’s in Orlando, she’s coming today I think.”
Floridians told ABC 6 if you’re not affect by Idalia directly, it’s likely you know someone elsewhere in the state that is bracing for the storm, like Massachusetts resident Victor Alves who has a friend along the west coast.
“My friend lost power last time for like a week and I haven’t had a chance to call him yet but I probably will call from Florida,” Alves said.
Traveler Maureen Kay, arrived in Rhode Island Wednesday from Orlando, said she’s grateful to now be away from Idalia, which was once a category-four hurricane before becoming a category three.
“So when we were on the tarmac, there was a 45 minute delay, there were maybe like five planes ahead of us, but you know you just want to get home you want to get away from the hurricane,” Kay recalled.
On Wednesday, some travelers recalled the devastation Hurricane Ian left behind in 2022, and hoped for the best.
“When they say evacuate, evacuate — people lost a lot, it’s really hard,” Ripa concluded.
For the latest flight updates, visit T.F. Green International Airport’s website.
