Check Out How Hurricane Florence Could Alter your Travel Plans

Hurricane Florence, a Category 4 storm (out of 5) with 130 mph winds, is expected to strengthen and be "the most powerful storm to hit (North and South Carolina) in three decades," according to CNN.

The NHC expects the storm to hit the East Coast late on September 13 or early the next morning and bring intense flooding with it. So far, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina have announced states of emergency in preparation for the storm, CNN reports.

More than 1 million people have received mandatory evacuation notices—including the entire South Carolinian coast into parts of North Carolina and Virginia—starting at noon on September 11.

Seven cruises—including Norwegian, Oceania, and Carnival ships—have been affected already, according to Cruise Critic, and most are swapping out stops in Bermuda, which won't be hit directly by Florence but will see lots of rain September 12, replacing them with stops in the Bahamas, which is much farther south and out of the hurricane's path. But the Norwegian Dawn is switching up its route altogether, sailing to New England and Canada instead.

Some airlines are allowing free changes to travel plans to avoid potential hurricane-related delays and cancellations.

Alaska Airlines passengers flying to or from Charleston and Raleigh/Durham between September 10 and 16 can change their itinerary for free. Your new departure flight must take off on or before October 1. If you want to cancel your trip, you can also get a full refund.

American Airlines is waiving change fees and the difference in fares for passengers traveling to or from 23 airports in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. If you're scheduled to fly September 13-16, you can reschedule your flight between September 10 (if you want to get out before the storm) and September 19.

Delta Air Lines is offering change fee waivers for flights in and out of 12 southeastern airports, including Charleston, Savannah, and Richmond. Passengers scheduled to fly September 13 to 16 can rebook for free on flights on or before September 20. You can delay your trip further, beyond September 20 if you want, but you'll have to pay the difference in fares.

JetBlue is allowing passengers flying in or out of Charleston, Charlotte, Raleigh/Durham, and Richmond between September 13 and 16, to rebook their flights for free. You'll have to rebook your itinerary on or before September 20.

Southwest Airlines is offering a travel waiver for passengers flying in or out of Charleston, Charlotte, Greenville-Spartanburg, Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Raleigh/Durham, and Richmond September 12-16. You can rebook within 14 days of your original departure date at no cost.

United Airlines passengers flying to or from 16 airports—including Asheville, Charleston, and Greenville/Spartanburg—between September 10 and 16 can change their itinerary for free, as long as the new travel occurs on or before September 20. Flights rebooked after September 20 will still cost the difference in fares.

Source: Condé Nast Traveler