Auto Rental News
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Gas Shortages, Airport Closures, and Crisis Assist Ahead of Hurricane Dorian

Some travelers in Miami have been leaving cars at gas stations that had run out of fuel for customers.

September 4, 2019
Gas Shortages, Airport Closures, and Crisis Assist Ahead of Hurricane Dorian

A category 2 hurricane will be making landfall in Florida this week leaving travelers with limited transportation in a state of emergency. 

2 min to read


As hurricane Dorian is underway and on track to hit the southeast, Florida is hit with a gas shortage, airports are deciding on whether to remain closed or open, and GM is giving drivers access to free OnStar functions for travelers in a state of emergency.

The tropical storm, which left the Bahamas in a state of devastation, is expected to make landfall on the Florida coast this week.

Ad Loading...

CNN is reporting that some travelers in Miami have been leaving cars at gas stations that had run out of fuel for customers. One Miami resident told CNN that drivers left a dozen cars at a Chevron station, some with the owners’ contact information left on handwritten notes.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told CNN that the state will be increasing fuel supplies to critical parts of the state.

Airports are also deciding whether to close completely or remain open.

Orlando International Airport ceased operations on Tuesday but is expected to start up again on Wednesday, as is Palm Beach International Airport. Orlando-Melbourne International Airport and Daytona Beach International Airport remain closed. International airports in Jacksonville, Tampa, and Tallahassee remain open but are experiencing cancellations.

Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport has reopened, and Miami International Airport has not announced any closures.

Ad Loading...

In South Carolina, Myrtle Beach International Airport will remain open.

Automakers are also taking precautions. General Motors announced that it will be offering free OnStar Crisis Assist in all its vehicles equipped with OnStar. Post-2006 GMCs, Chevrolets, Cadillacs and Buicks with OnStar hardware should all receive the free service.

More Rental Operations

Photos of Martin Romjue and Denis Gjoni on opposite sides of large headline for the video.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueJune 17, 2026

Stop Losing Money On Rental Tolls

Regardless of your rental fleet size and structure, fleet managers, executives, and owners can gain valuable insights into an often-overlooked area of fleet operations.

Read More →
Richard Lowden gesturing on stage in front of a red curtain at the Gaylord Texan Resort near Dallas.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueJune 12, 2026

Rethink The Future To Avert A Race To The Bottom

Rental car operators heard a sobering industry message and a stern challenge at the close of the International Car Rental Show.

Read More →
John Possumato holding microphone while asking a question during a live conference session at the ICRS Show.

DriveItAway, Free2move Plan Shared Fleet Program for Independent Rental Fleet Operators

Vehicles would be placed with participating rental operations to support car renter demand and provide additional fleet capacity.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Close-up of a Jeep Wrangler front grille and headlight with text noting Stellantis’ recall of 1.3 million Jeep vehicles worldwide over a potential fire risk tied to power steering wiring.
Fleet Acquisitionby StaffJune 10, 2026

Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Worldwide Over Fire Risk

Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models worldwide over a fire risk linked to power steering pump wiring.

Read More →
Franchisee standing with yellow U-Save branded sign in front of the rental car outlet.

Green Motion And U-Save Open Rental Operations In Guatemala

The brands will open their first rental car outlets in the country at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.

Read More →
An airplane parked at a gate next to large headline and bullet points about study highlights.

U.S. Business Travel Drives $623 Billion+ in Economic Impact as Spending Reaches $538 Billion

The data also underscores the industry’s strong multiplier effect across the U.S. economy, revealing that each dollar invested in business travel in 2024 generated $1.16 in GDP.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Green and black bar graphs show May 2025 v. 2026 fleet vehicle sales into commercial, rental, and government fleet sectors.
Fleet Acquisitionby Martin RomjueJune 3, 2026

Rental Fleet Sales Skating Just Above 2025 Levels

The U.S. economy's continued growth and positive business investment are creating a favorable environment for fleet vehicle demand.

Read More →
Interviewer Martin Romjue and guest Ryan Kerzner on both sides of a title page with large lettering.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueJune 3, 2026

Grow Your Rental Business Beyond Cars

Rental fleet operations are facing numerous evolving challenges and opportunities from AI technology to rate and revenue management, to customer service and business growth.

Read More →
An AI-imaging tunnel instantly scans a car for damages at Wenn's location in Lithuania.
Rental OperationsJune 2, 2026

Using AI to Create Clarity, Not Conflict, in Rental Car Damage

Rental companies still need people, policy, judgment, and thoughtful implementation, with operators remaining in control of the customer experience.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Close up of a high-tech vehicle console with a remote key.
Rental OperationsJune 1, 2026

Get Ready To Roll: No Stopping Self-Driving Rental Cars

The autonomous mobility technology revolution will move at its own pace, but sooner rather than later.

Read More →
Ad Loading...