Sandy allows travelers to enjoy Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The storm has made for a longer trip to Austin for some East Coast travelers. They don't seem to be complaining about spending the extra time exploring the Capital city.

"I'm perfectly happy not going home," Brian Hunt said while laughing.

The pro BMX rider came to Austin for a competition a couple of weeks ago, but won't be heading back home to New Hampshire on Wednesday because his flight was canceled

Brian will spend the extra time with friends who migrate here in the winter to ride, but Tropical Storm Sandy is still on his mind.

"I have a lot of friends in Jersey and New York. That would be such a bummer to have all that flooding, twelve inches of rain possibly, just a lot of things destroyed," said Hunt.

Stephen Haberman and Jen Bermel are also enjoying an extended stay. They were checking the shops along South Congress after their Monday morning flight back to Philadelphia was canceled.

"We're safe here, we're having a nice time," said Haberman.

The two work for a comic book publisher and were in Austin for the comic convention this past weekend. Stephen has been in touch with his wife at home who is preparing for the storm.

"She's got everything up two feet off the floor, made sure she has the bath full with water," said Haberman.

There are also several authors from the East Coast who are stranded in Austin. They were in town for the Texas Book Festival.