By John Ostapkovich

NEW ORLEANS, La. (CBS) — The looming storm Isaac comes at a bad time for the Gulf Coast, a holiday weekend that otherwise might be a big one for travel.

New Orleans was one of the Top 10 travel destinations for this weekend, says Jeanenne Tornatore, senior editor for the travel web site Orbitz, but now there’s the potential for a washout.

Her first bit of advice for travelers headed to that area is, watch the weather as Isaac moves in.  Airlines have suspended flights in anticipation of the storm, and Tornatore says they’re also being lenient if you want to bail.

“They’ll offer you no penalties to waive or cancel your ticket, so if you’re a traveler that wants to play it safe, your best bet is calling your hotel and seeing what your option is,” she advises.  “But most of them are being very, very flexible with travelers this weekend.”

Amazingly, even at this late date, Tornatore says there are travel deals still available for the weekend.  Orlando and Atlanta, she says, are among the places with discounted hotel rates.

And she says Las Vegas is the most popular destination for the Labor Day weekend — and it’s a long way from Isaac.