Holiday makers evacuated as hurricane Sandy hits Cuba

Thousands of tourists and residents have been evacuated and flights have been cancelled as hurricane Sandy reached south-east Cuba early on Thursday 24 October.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised British Nationals in Cuba to check local weather forecasts and to contact their tour operator or local authorities for advice about travel arrangements.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Sandy has strengthened to a category 2 hurricane with winds reaching 114 mph in Santiago de Cuba, where hoteliers are setting up generators to provide emergency power.

Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc in Jamaica yesterday where one man was killed, the international airport was closed and cruise ships were diverted as the storm swept across the island.

The storm is expected to head north towards the Bahamas once it leaves Cuba.

A hurricane warning is in effect for Jamaica, parts of Cuba, the Ragged Islands in Bahamas and the central and northwestern Bahamas.

Hurricane Sandy's progress can be checked on the National Hurricane Center website.

Travel insurance cover for hurricanes

If your holiday is affected by a hurricane or tropical storm you may have cover under the following sections of your travel insurance policy.

Travel delay: Travel delay cover provides a fixed benefit for every 12 hours that your flight is delayed due to adverse weather. It is designed to help cover additional costs, such as food and drink whilst you wait at the airport. If your outbound flight is delayed for more than 24 hours you may be able to ‘abandon' your holiday and make a claim for the cost.

Catastrophe: Provides cover up to the amount stated in your schedule for additional accommodation costs if you are forced to move from your pre-booked, pre-paid accommodation due to a hurricane.

For additional cover for delays and disruption due hurricanes and other natural disasters including volcanic ash you can also add Natural Catastrophe Cover, which includes cover for cancellation and additional expenses up to £1500, to your travel insurance policy.

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