Travelers try to escape Hurricane Matthew before airport closes

Man celebrates with Cuban cigar after booking last Delta flight

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Travelers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport were in a race against the clock Thursday to get out of town ahead of Hurricane Matthew.

The airport was scheduled to close at 10:30 a.m., but that didn't stop travelers from trying to book an early flight out of the storm's path.

One man praised Local 10 News for keeping him informed of the impending closure.

"Thank God I was watching the news," he said. "I saw a Delta plane. I called up Delta. I got a 6:30 (a.m.) flight. I'm going to Seattle, last plane out. I haven't slept in 24 hours. Thank God for Delta and you guys, period. I'm good, big time."

He celebrated by smoking a Cuban cigar.

American Airlines announced Wednesday that all flights from Fort Lauderdale, Miami International Airport and Palm Beach International Airport scheduled for Thursday were canceled.

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About the Authors:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.