THE DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs has advised any Irish citizen intending to travel to the United States in the coming days not to do so until Hurricane Sandy has passed over the country’s east coast.

The hurricane is set to make landfall in the New York/New Jersey region this evening – with those metropolitan areas already subject to mandatory evacuation orders, while eight states plus Washington DC have declared full or limited states of emergency.

“Due to storm damage, extensive power outages in the affected area are anticipated thereafter, possibly continuing for several days,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said in an advisory note to travellers.

Irish citizens are advised not to travel to the US mid-Atlantic coastal region until Hurricane Sandy has passed and the extent of any resulting damage to travel and other infrastructure has been assessed by the US authorities.

Airlines flying transatlantic services to and from Ireland have cancelled almost all flights to the US for today and tomorrow.

Four transatlantic flights from Dublin today – to New York, Boston, and Washington – have been cancelled, while tomorrow’s services are yet to be finally confirmed.

All airports have advised passengers who are booked on flights intending to travel to the US to contact their airline, or visit its website, to ascertain their current flight status. Some airlines are offering passengers the opportunity to reschedule their travel.

Irish citizens who are nonetheless intending to travel to the US in the coming days are to register their contact details through the Department’s website so that you can be contacted in the case of further travel disruption.

Read: ‘Don’t be stupid. Get out.’ – Mass shut down as Sandy approaches US