Evacuees continue arriving at RDU before airports shut down

RDU (WTVD) -- Evacuations from South Florida are continuing on the road and in the sky. Evacuees continue to arrive at RDU Airport on Friday seeking refuge from Hurricane Irma's fury.

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"We're all thankful to be here," said Florida native Alaina Minar. "We're all praying that storm just kind of passes, but we're all prepared for the worst and praying for the best."

Evacuee Ryan McNamara says he spent all of Thursday searching for a flight out of Tampa.

"I spent my entire workday just refreshing Travelocity and I finally got a flight out," McNamara said. "It was so hectic though."

His concerns haven't waned even though he is in a safe area.

"I still have family back there ... co-workers and friends," he said. "I should feel relieved, but I don't because you don't know what's going to happen with them."

Airlines are winding down operations. Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airports are halting air travel Saturday ahead of the storm.