Travel safety tips from AAA

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) - The holiday weekend is fast approaching and so is Hurricane Earl. If you're planning to  hit the highway this weekend, you'll want to consider these safety tips from AAA Tidewater Virginia.

• Stay abreast of local forecasts both at your departure city and your destination
• Check your airline flight status before leaving for the airport
• Check with your hotel for local updates on the storm's impact
• Monitor weather conditions on a regular basis as things can change quickly
• Travel with only a carry on bag when flying to give you greater flexibility if your schedule changes and so that you will have necessities with you if you are delayed
• Pack "emergency" creature comforts with you like snacks, rain coats, and extra clothing, etc. A flashlight with extra batteries, radio and extra water are a good idea if going to a beach house
• Heed all evacuation advisories and/or orders

If Hurricane Earl does make landfall in the region it's especially important to heed all emergency advisories and not wait until the last minute to travel out of town. By then, it may be too late due to other evacuation traffic already on the roads.

For more information, visit AAA.com .