Florida theme parks will shut today (Wednesday) and tomorrow as the state braces itself for the approach of Hurricane Ian.
The storm struck western Cuba leaving a complete power blackout for 11 million people and is heading towards the US state with winds of up to 120mph.
The category three hurricane brought up to 12 inches of rain to the Caribbean island after hitting Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
The hurricane has been gathering force in the south-eastern Gulf of Mexico after leaving Cuba, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Hurricane Ian was passing over the Florida Keys on Tuesday night and is projected to make landfall on Florida’s west coast late on Wednesday.
The NHC warned that Ian could be a category four hurricane by the time it strikes Florida’s western coast, with wind speeds topping 130mph.
Some 2.5 million people in Florida are under evacuation orders.
Two Tui flights to Florida from Bristol and Manchester have been cancelled due to the closure of Melbourne-Orlando airport.
“We plan to operate these flights to Florida once the airport has reopened,” the operator said.
“We are in close contact with Melbourne-Orlando airport and we will be updating customers as soon as we receive any further information.
“Our teams are also working to source overnight accommodation for customers due to return from Melbourne-Orlando airport.”
Airlines cancelled more than 2,000 US flights on Tuesday and Wednesday and some Florida airports halted services as they braced for the impact of Hurricane Ian.
Tampa International airport was among those that suspended all operations.
“The airport will reopen after damage assessments are made, which begins as soon as it is safe to do so,” a spokesperson said.
In a weather update, Disney said Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Winter Summerland miniature golf, Fantasia Gardens and Fairways miniature golf would all be temporarily closed at the Orlando attraction.
The company said: “We are continuing to closely monitor Hurricane Ian and are making necessary operational adjustments to maintain the safety of our guests and cast members.”
Holidaymakers who have checked into Walt Disney World resort hotels by 3pm today local time will be asked to shelter for the duration of the storm. Dining options may be “very limited”.
Accommodation at camp grounds, cabins, lodges and bungalows will close today until Friday.
The theme park operator is waiving cancellation fees.
“Partially used multi-day theme park tickets with a validity window impacted by closure due to Hurricane Ian will be automatically extended to allow use of the remaining unused ticket days through September 30, 2023,” Disney added.
Universal Orlando Resort will also be shut today and on Thursday
“We anticipate reopening on September 30 as conditions permit,” the company said.
“Our hotels are currently at full capacity and will remain operational as they focus on taking care of our guests.
“Our Halloween Horror Nights event at Universal Studios Florida will be cancelled Wednesday and Thursday. We anticipate reopening the event on Friday conditions permitting.”