If you are scheduled to fly during a time when a hurricane is brewing - be sure to check your airline's website for advisories. This is even more important than checking your flight status. Most airlines have a banner across the top of the page with updates. 

 Airlines will often issue "waivers". This means you can change your flights without paying the change fee and, potentially, not paying the change in fare. Pay careful attention the dates the airlines are using. These are the airlines best estimates for when their operations will be impacted by the storm. 

 If I am traveling and trying to get home, I rent a car from the departure airport now. You can always cancel without penalty. This is a great back up plan in case flights get cancelled and gives you an option. I also check with the hotel to see if they will hold a room for me for a couple nights in case flights are cancelled.