MIAMI – Hurricane Florence prompted airlines to cancel at least 1,200 flights that were scheduled for Thursday and Friday, and disrupted cruise ship itineraries.
According to Flight Aware, about 80 percent of the flights in the coastal region of the Carolinas were canceled, as the Category 2 storm approached.
American Airlines, United, Delta, JetBlue and Spirit are among the airlines offering changes without charging a fee to customers affected by the hurricane.
Airlines had canceled at least seven flights out of Miami International Airport and nine flights out of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport as of Thursday afternoon.
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IN SPACE - SEPTEMBER 14: In this NOAA satellite handout image , shows Hurricane Florence as it made landfall near Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina on September 14, 2018. The National Hurricane Center reported Florence had sustained winds of 90 mph at landfall and was moving slowly westward at 6 mph. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)IN SPACE - SEPTEMBER 14: In this NOAA satellite handout image captured at 7:45 a.m. ET, shows Hurricane Florence as it made landfall near Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina on September 14, 2018. The National Hurricane Center reported Florence had sustained winds of 90 mph at landfall and was moving slowly westward at 6 mph. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)IN SPACE - SEPTEMBER 13: In this NOAA satellite handout image, shows Hurricane Florence it just makes landfall off the coast of the U.S. in the Atlantic Ocean on September 13, 2018. Coastal cities in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia are under evacuation orders as the Category 2 hurricane approaches the United States. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)IN SPACE - SEPTEMBER 13: In this NOAA satellite handout image, shows Hurricane Florence it just makes landfall off the coast of the U.S. in the Atlantic Ocean on September 13, 2018. Coastal cities in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia are under evacuation orders as the Category 2 hurricane approaches the United States. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)IN SPACE - SEPTEMBER 13: In this NOAA satellite handout image captured at 15:02 UTC, shows Hurricane Florence as it travels west in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the U.S. on September 13, 2018. Coastal cities in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia are under evacuation orders as the Category 2 hurricane approaches the United States. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)IN SPACE - SEPTEMBER 12: In this NASA handout image taken from aboard the International Space Station, shows Hurricane Florence as it travels west in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the U.S. on September 12, 2018. Coastal cities in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia are under evacuation orders as the Category 2 hurricane approaches the United States. (Photo by NASA via Getty Images)IN SPACE - SEPTEMBER 12: In this NASA handout image taken from aboard the International Space Station, shows Hurricane Florence as it travels west in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the U.S. on September 12, 2018. Coastal cities in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia are under evacuation orders as the Category 2 hurricane approaches the United States. (Photo by NASA via Getty Images)IN SPACE - SEPTEMBER 12: In this NASA handout image taken from aboard the International Space Station, shows Hurricane Florence as it travels west in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the U.S. on September 12, 2018. Coastal cities in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia are under evacuation orders as the Category 2 hurricane approaches the United States. (Photo by NASA via Getty Images)IN SPACE - SEPTEMBER 12: In this satellite image provided by the National Aeronatics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA), Hurricane Florence churns through the Atlantic Ocean toward the U.S. East Coast on September 12, 2018. Florence slowed its approach to the U.S. today and was expected to turn south, stalling along the North Carolina and South Carolina coast and bringing with it torrential rain, high winds and a dangerous storm surge tomorrow through Saturday. The image was captured by ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst, currently living and working onboard the International Space Station. (Photo by ESA/NASA via Getty Images)IN SPACE - SEPTEMBER 12: In this satellite image provided by U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hurricane Florence churns through the Atlantic Ocean toward the U.S. East Coast on September 12, 2018. Florence slowed its approach to the U.S. today and was forecast to turn south, stalling along the North Carolina and South Carolina coast and bringing with it torrential rain, high winds and a dangerous storm surge tomorrow through Saturday. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)IN SPACE - SEPTEMBER 11: In this satellite image provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hurricane Florence churns through the Atlantic Ocean toward the U.S. East Coast on September 11, 2018. Florence is expected to make landfall by late Thursday to near Category 5 strength along the Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)IN SPACE - SEPTEMBER 11: In this satellite image provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hurricane Florence churns through the Atlantic Ocean toward the U.S. East Coast on September 11, 2018. Florence is expected to make landfall by late Thursday to near Category 5 strength along the Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)IN SPACE - SEPTEMBER 11: In this satellite image provided by NOAA, Hurricane Florence churns through the Atlantic Ocean toward the U.S. East Coast, followed to the east first by Hurricane Isaac and then Hurricane Helene on September 11, 2018. Florence is expected to make landfall by late Thursday to near Category 5 strength along the Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)ATLANTIC OCEAN - SEPTEMBER 10: In this NASA handout image taken by Astronaut Ricky Arnold, Hurricane Florence gains strength in the Atlantic Ocean as it moves west, seen from the International Space Station on September 10, 2018. Weather predictions say the storm will likely hit the U.S. East Coast as early as Thursday, September 13 bringing massive winds and rain. (Photo by NASA via Getty Images)ATLANTIC OCEAN - SEPTEMBER 10: In this NOAA satellite handout image, shows Hurricane Florence as it travels west and gains strength in the Atlantic Ocean southeast of Bermuda on September 10, 2018. Weather predictions say the storm will likely hit the U.S. East Coast as early as Thursday, September 13 bringing massive winds and rain. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)ATLANTIC OCEAN - SEPTEMBER 10 In this NOAA satellite handout image, shows Hurricane Florence as it gains strength in the Atlantic Ocean southeast of Bermuda on September 10, 2018. Weather predictions say the storm will likely hit the U.S. East Coast as early as Thursday, September 13 bringing massive winds and rain. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)ATLANTIC OCEAN - SEPTEMBER 10: In this NOAA satellite handout image, shows Hurricane Florence as it travels west and gains strength in the Atlantic Ocean southeast of Bermuda on September 10, 2018. Weather predictions say the storm will likely hit the U.S. East Coast as early as Thursday, September 13 bringing massive winds and rain. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)ATLANTIC OCEAN - SEPTEMBER 10: In this NOAA satellite handout image, shows Hurricane Florence as it travels west and gains strength in the Atlantic Ocean southeast of Bermuda on September 10, 2018. Weather predictions say the storm will likely hit the U.S. East Coast as early as Thursday, September 13 bringing massive winds and rain. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)ATLANTIC OCEAN - SEPTEMBER 10: In this NOAA satellite handout image, shows Hurricane Florence (C) as it gains strength in the Atlantic Ocean southeast of Bermuda moving west on September 10, 2018. Hurricane Isaac and Helene can be seen to the east of Florence. Weather predictions say the storm will likely hit the U.S. East Coast as early as Thursday, September 13 bringing massive winds and rain. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)
IN SPACE - SEPTEMBER 14: In this NOAA satellite handout image , shows Hurricane Florence as it made landfall near Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina on September 14, 2018. The National Hurricane Center reported Florence had sustained winds of 90 mph at landfall and was moving slowly westward at 6 mph. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)
There were travel disruptions at sea. A Norwegian cruise ship that departed from New York City, but could not make its scheduled stop at Nassau, was forced to return to the coast to avoid the storm.
Some 1.7 million people were under mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders.
Companies were also evacuating ships and planes. Authorities expect the storm to cause flooding in the South Carolina-North Carolina region with as much as 13 feet of water of storm surge. Over the next seven days, authorities expect the Carolinas to get 40 inches of rainfall in isolated areas.
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MYRTLE BEACH, SC - SEPTEMBER 12: Doug Lewis (L) and Chris Williams use plywood with the words 'Looters will be shot' to cover the windows of Knuckleheads bar as they try to protect the business ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 12, 2018 in Myrtle Beach, United States. Hurricane Florence is expected on Friday possibly as a category 4 storm along the Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)MYRTLE BEACH, SC - SEPTEMBER 12: A sign reads "Go Away Florence" ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 12, 2018 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Florence slowed its approach to the U.S. today and was expected to turn south, stalling along the North Carolina and South Carolina coast and bringing with it torrential rain, high winds and a dangerous storm surge tomorrow through Saturday. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)SURF CITY, NC- SEPTEMBER 13: A gas station pump is shut down with no gas as Hurricane Florence approaches the area, on September 13, 2018 in Surf City, North Carolina. Hurricane Florence is expected on early Friday possibly as a category 2 or 3 storm along the North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)MOREHEAD CITY, NC - SEPTEMBER 12: Gasoline pumps are wrapped in plastic to prevent people from using them at a closed station before the arrival of Hurricane Florence September 12, 2018 in Morehead City, North Carolina. Coastal cities in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virgnian are under evacuation orders as the category 3 hurricane approaches the United States. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)CONWAY, SC - SEPTEMBER 13: Bob Cavanagh and Linda Moore (L-R) wait in an evacuation shelter setup at the Conway High School for the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 13, 2018 in Conway, United States. Hurricane Florence is expected to arrive on Friday possibly as a category 2 storm along the North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CONWAY, SC - SEPTEMBER 13: Ronald Whitmer and Brenda Whitmer (L-R) wait in an evacuation shelter setup at the Conway High School for the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 13, 2018 in Conway, United States. Hurricane Florence is expected to arrive on Friday possibly as a category 2 storm along the North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)MYRTLE BEACH, SC - SEPTEMBER 13: Bob Cavanagh (L) and Linda Moore (C) wait in an evacuation shelter setup at the Conway High School for the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 13, 2018 in Conway, United States. Hurricane Florence is expected to arrive on Friday possibly as a category 2 storm along the North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CONWAY, SC - SEPTEMBER 13: Susan Ianclan and Jesus Ianclan (L-R) wait in an evacuation shelter setup at the Conway High School for the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 13, 2018 in Conway, United States. Hurricane Florence is expected to arrive on Friday possibly as a category 2 storm along the North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CONWAY, SC - SEPTEMBER 13: Kenneth Roberts arrives at an evacuation shelter setup at the Conway High School before the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 13, 2018 in Conway, United States. Hurricane Florence is expected to arrive on Friday possibly as a category 2 storm along the North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)ATLANTIC BEACH, NC - SEPTEMBER 13: A spray painted message is left on a boarded up condominium as the outer bands of Hurricane Florence being to affect the coast September 13, 2018 in Atlantic Beach, United States. Coastal cities in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virgnia are under evacuation orders as the Category 2 hurricane approaches the United States. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)WILMINGTON, NC - SEPTEMBER 13: Buddy Dozier (L) and his son Harris Dozier remove some boards from his new dock to hopefully let water vent through, as storm surge from Hurricane Florence is expected in the area, on September 13, 2018 in Wilmington, North Carolina. Hurricane Florence is expected on early Friday possibly as a category 2 or 3 storm along the North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC- SEPTEMBER 12: A surfer takes advantage of the large waves caused by the approaching Hurricane Florence, on September 12, 2018 in Wrightsville Beach, United States. Hurricane Florence is expected on Friday possibly as a category 4 storm along the Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)NAGS HEAD, NC - SEPTEMBER 12: The sun rises over the ocean ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 12, 2018 in Nags Head, North Carolina. Hurricane Florence is expected on Friday possibly as a category 4 storm along the Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)MYRTLE BEACH, SC - SEPTEMBER 11: A store's bread shelves are bare as people stock up on food ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 11, 2018 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Florence, already packing 130 mph winds, is expected to make landfall by late Thursday at near Category 5 strength along the Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC- SEPTEMBER 11: Local resident Dave Collins shovels sand into a bag while the coastal area is preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 11, 2018 in Wrightsville Beach, United States. Hurricane Florence is expected on Friday possibly as a category 4 storm along the Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC- SEPTEMBER 11: Hurricane Party is written on plywood covering the window of the Lager Heads Tavern as they prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 11, 2018 in Wrightsville Beach, United States. Hurricane Florence is expected on Friday possibly as a category 4 storm along the Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC- SEPTEMBER 11: Windows are boarded up as local shops prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 11, 2018 in Wrightsville Beach, United States. Hurricane Florence is expected on Friday possibly as a category 4 storm along the Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC - SEPTEMBER 11: Clint McBride (R) cuts plywood to be put over a homes window while preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 11, 2018 in Wrightsville Beach, United States. Hurricane Florence is expected on Friday possibly as a category 4 storm along the Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC - SEPTEMBER 11: Workers board up a home while preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 11, 2018 in Wrightsville Beach, United States. Hurricane Florence is expected on Friday possibly as a category 4 storm along the Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)MYRTLE BEACH, SC - SEPTEMBER 11: Jim Kelly buys plywood at a Home Depot ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 11, 2018 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Florence is expected to make landfall by late Thursday to near Category 5 strength along the Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)MYRTLE BEACH, SC - SEPTEMBER 11: Scott Fleenor (seated) and Jeremiah Trendell board over the windows of a business ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 11, 2018 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Florence is expected to make landfall by late Thursday to near Category 5 strength along the Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
MYRTLE BEACH, SC - SEPTEMBER 12: Doug Lewis (L) and Chris Williams use plywood with the words 'Looters will be shot' to cover the windows of Knuckleheads bar as they try to protect the business ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 12, 2018 in Myrtle Beach, United States. Hurricane Florence is expected on Friday possibly as a category 4 storm along the Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina coastline. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.
