06 Oct 2016
Orlando prepares as Hurricane Matthew approaches
BY Tom Anstey
Several theme parks and attractions in Orlando have been forced to take precautionary action ahead of Hurricane Matthew's impending arrival in Central Florida later today (6 October).
Orlando’s attractions are rarely affected by major storms, although there were closures in 2005, 2004 and 1999 for the respective visits of Hurricanes Wilma, Charley and Floyd.
Although Disney World is still currently business as usual, a statement on the operator’s website said it was “monitoring” the hurricane, urging visitors to “monitor news outlets for the latest weather information.” The operator has however taken the precautionary measure of moving guests from Fort Wilderness into alternate hotels.
SeaWorld has already made its plans, with the park announcing it will close at 2pm today (Thursday) and for all of Friday.
In a statement, the park said the decision had been made to “ensure the safety of our guests, ambassadors and animals during the impact from Hurricane Matthew.”
“We have comprehensive weather preparedness plans, and will continue to closely monitor the progress and track of the storm," added the operator.
SeaWorld, which is also based in Orlando, will also close its corporate office on Thursday and Friday.
Universal has said it is keeping an eye on the storm, with spokesperson Tim Schroder telling The Orlando Sentinel that executives have already begun "monitoring the weather very closely, beginning to decide what are the next steps we have to take to make sure everything is safe." While the park currently remains open, Universal Studios has cancelled scheduled television tapings on Friday but not Thursday.
Merlin Entertainment’s Orlando cluster, which features a SeaLife aquarium, Madame Tussauds waxworks and the Orlando Eye, will also be closed through Thursday and Friday “until weather conditions improve and it is safe to begin operations again.” Legoland Florida is also closed on Friday and may close early today.
Through its social media channels, Fun Spot America has said it is prepping for the hurricane, putting flags and umbrellas away and tying down objects which could be damaged. “We are keeping a close eye on Hurricane Matthew,” tweeted the park. “We'll keep everyone updated on park closures here and on our website.”
For wider Florida, more than two million people have been ordered to evacuate ahead of the hurricane’s arrival, with governor Rick Scott warning those in the area to “prepare for a direct hit”.
Matthew has so far struck Cuba, the Bahamas, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, killing at least 26 people. The Category 3 storm has measured sustained winds of up to 130 mph (215kmph), though that could be upgraded to a Category 4 before it hits the Florida coast.
"I want to emphasise to the public - this is a serious storm," said US President Barack Obama. "If there is an evacuation order in your community, you need to take it seriously."
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