Major Orlando theme parks will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to Hurricane Ian, which is expected to make landfall today on Florida’s west coast with major-category winds and torrential rain.
Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Discovery Cove and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay closed to prepare for the effects of Ian, according to statements and messages on the networks.
Universal announced that Yes weather conditions permitting will reopen on Friday, while Disney noted that "for the safety of your staff and visitors" will evaluate the situation before making a decision and will update the information about when it will reopen its doors.
SeaWorld added that it has already taken the necessary precautions so that its animals are not harmed by the passage of the cyclone.
The hotels in the large parks are open and accommodating the tourists they this meteorological emergency has surprised them in Orlando.
Orlando International Airport suspended operations this morning. Orlando, one of the US tourist meccas, receives millions of tourists every year, especially families with children, attracted by its wide range of amusement parks.
Reinforced with winds of 155 miles per hour (250 kilometers / hour), corresponding to category 4 (of 5), Ian is approaching the west coast of Florida today at a speed of 9 miles (15 kilometers), which will reduce before to touch land.
In the trajectory graph prepared by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the impact zone is located in and around Tampa Bay.
Orlando is 85 miles (137 km) by road from Tampa.
The list of dangers that Ian brings with him is headed by storm surge, which combined with the tide causes sea levels to rise and floods normally dry coastal areas.
The forecast floods in the western area range from a minimum of one foot to 16 feet (305mm at 4.8 meters).
The NHC also warned of the possibility of catastrophic damage from Ian’s winds, especially in the area where it touches the center.
In addition, it will dump rains throughout Florida and eastern Georgia and the coast of South Carolina, with the risk of flash flooding in cities and rising rivers.
Tornadoes, such as those that were recorded yesterday in Broward, the county that borders Miami-Dade, and strong waves in the Gulf of Mexico and currents in the east coasts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, complete the panorama of Ian .