Breaking News: Florida’s Major Theme Parks Close Ahead of Hurricane Milton
By TNW News - Breaking News Staff | Updated October 9, 2024, 9:27 AM CT

As Hurricane Milton rapidly approaches Florida’s west coast, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando are preparing for the storm’s impact by announcing park closures starting Wednesday. The hurricane, now classified as a powerful Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 155 mph, is expected to bring life-threatening conditions across the state.

Theme Parks Close for Safety

Walt Disney World will begin shutting down its theme parks and Disney Springs at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, with closures likely extending through Thursday. Universal Orlando Resort and CityWalk will close by 2 p.m., with hopes of reopening by Friday if conditions permit. SeaWorld Orlando has also confirmed it will close both Wednesday and Thursday.

The closures have led to the cancellation of popular events, including Disney’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Partyand Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, which were planned for Thursday evening. Park guests have been notified to stay updated on reopening times through the parks' official channels.

Hurricane Milton's Path and Potential Devastation

Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall near the Tampa Bay area as early as Wednesday evening, with dangerous winds, storm surges, and heavy rain threatening large sections of Florida. While some models suggest the storm could weaken slightly before landfall, it remains a significant threat. The Tampa Bay area, in particular, could see storm surges of up to 12 feet, which could cause devastating flooding.

Evacuations and Urgent Warnings

Florida emergency officials, led by Director Kevin Guthrie, have issued strong warnings to residents in evacuation zones. Those in flood-prone areas along the west coast and other vulnerable regions are urged to leave immediately. Governor Ron DeSantis has prioritized evacuation and safety efforts, suspending non-essential state operations to focus on the hurricane response.

Both Nassau and Clay Counties have issued strong recommendations for evacuations in specific zones, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Residents in these zones should complete their preparations by Tuesday night and be ready to leave early Wednesday as conditions worsen.

TNW Hurricane Operations and Emergency Coverage

TNW News and the TNW Hurricane Operations Division, led by Chief Todd Nardone, are closely monitoring Hurricane Milton’s progress. As the storm approaches, TNWWeather.com and all TNW platforms, including X, Threads, and Instagram, will provide live updates, real-time forecasts, and evacuation tips. Residents are strongly urged to stay connected with TNW for critical information and updates.

Stay Safe and Informed

As Florida braces for Hurricane Milton, TNW News emphasizes the importance of taking all necessary precautions. Follow evacuation orders, secure your property, and ensure your family’s safety by staying informed on the latest updates.

For more information on evacuation zones and storm preparedness, visit FloridaDisaster.org or use the Know Your Zone tool to verify your status. TNW News will continue to provide full coverage and real-time updates on TNWWeather.com as the storm progresses.

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