Hurricane Milton may have weakened from a Category 5 to a Category 4 storm, but Florida state residents must still brace for its impact. The storm will make landfall soon — just weeks after Hurricane Helene hit the Sunshine State. Now that multiple counties have been issued evacuation orders, Orlando residents are wondering whether or not they need to get out of dodge.
When Will Hurricane Milton Make Landfall?
Milton is expected to make landfall on Florida’s west coast on Wednesday, October 9, in the evening.
Is Orlando Evacuating for Milton?
Orlando isn’t one of the primary evacuation zones. However, Orlando International Airport (MCO) will briefly shut down on Wednesday, October 9, the day when the storm hits.
“On Wednesday morning, October 9, Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) will cease commercial passenger and private operations in advance of Hurricane Milton, a move made in coordination with our partners,” MCO announced via its website. “The airport is not closed and will remain open to accept emergency/aid and relief flights as necessary.”
The following counties were issued evacuation orders: Citrus, Collier, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota and Volusia.
City of Orlando officials held a press conference to give updates on Hurricane Milton.
They’re offering free parking for vehicles in some downtown parking garages, important for electric vehicles, starting at 6 AM on Wednesday.
The city is also urging people to remove their… pic.twitter.com/1eQRRVHqvf
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) October 7, 2024
Is Disney World Closed for Milton?
According to Walt Disney World’s website, the parks are still “operating under normal conditions and will continue to be on Tuesday, October 8.” However, once the hurricane hits on Wednesday, certain resort operations will temporarily shut down.
“We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm, and the safety of our guests and cast members remains our top priority,” the parks’ statement from Monday, October 7 read. “Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions and will continue to be on Tuesday, October 8. Looking ahead, we are making adjustments based on the latest weather forecast and some areas with unique environments.”
The Disney World attractions that will be impacted include Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, all of which will “temporarily close beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9,” per Disney’s site. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will also “remain closed until Sunday, October 13,” and the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will “likely reopen on Friday, October 11.”
Hurricane Milton’s Projected Path
After strengthening into a Category 5 storm on Monday, October 7, Milton slightly weakened to a Category 4 the following day. Nevertheless, officials are warning Floridians that the storm could be life threatening.
Once Milton hits the west coast of Florida, it will spiral eastward through the rest of the state until it reaches the south Atlantic Ocean.