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A Hurricane Is Coming!

How Will It Affect Your Vacation?

By Sharon Waldrop

Peggy Duffy from Centreville, Va., had to alter vacation plans twice due to hurricanes.

The first time, Duffy and her family heard about an approaching hurricane prior to leaving for the Outer Banks in North Carolina. They were packed up and ready to go at 8 a.m. However, a decision by the authorities regarding an evacuation wouldn't be made until 10 a.m.

"Since we were in 'vacation mode', we decided to leave and head to Williamsburg, Virginia, to Busch Gardens," says Duffy. When they arrived at Busch Gardens, they found out that the Outer Banks were officially closed. After enjoying a day and night in Williamsburg, Duffy and her family headed to the Outer Banks the next day and enjoyed the rest of their vacation.

Duffy's second hurricane experience also occurred in North Carolina. Duffy and her family rented a large oceanfront house in Corolla, which is on the north end of the Outer Banks. They heard about the approaching storm in the morning, but the weather was beautiful and they went to the beach anyway. In the afternoon, the beach patrol ordered everyone to leave the beach and evacuate.

"It was so nice, we couldn't believe a storm was really coming," says Duffy. The family made a reservation at a hotel about two hours away and spent the night there during the evacuation. They returned to the beautiful oceanfront rental the next day and enjoyed the rest of their vacation.

It is a disappointment to all family members when vacation plans have to be changed or canceled suddenly, especially to young children who may not understand. If you find yourself in a situation that could be disastrous for your family, trust your instincts and do what makes you feel most comfortable.