Hurricane Milton has struck Florida, with authorities urging people in its path to evacuate immediately.
The powerful storm has claimed lives and caused widespread destruction across the state, leaving many without homes, electricity, or running water. The Florida Division of Emergency Management reported that even before the hurricane made landfall, 125 homes were already destroyed and power had been cut off to nearly two million homes and businesses.
Residents were warned to “get the f**k out of dodge” to avoid the worst of the storm, while Florida’s Disney World has also been forced to close its doors. According to CBS News, Disney began shutting down its Orlando parks in stages from 1 p.m. local time on October 9, and the closures are expected to continue throughout today.
Videos posted online by people staying at Disney World show Hurricane Milton hitting the resorts, making it clear that it’s far from an ideal vacation spot right now. Meanwhile, Forbes reports that Goldman Sachs has estimated Disney could lose between $150 million and $200 million (£114 million to £152 million) this financial quarter due to the disruptions caused by the storm.
This projected financial hit comes as attendance at Disney World is expected to drop by six percent because of the extreme weather. If the forecasts are correct, Hurricane Milton could be the most costly storm for Disney since Hurricane Irma in 2017, which led to a $100 million (£76 million) loss for the parks division, due to reduced attendance and canceled cruises.
@travel.by.brooke Trees, branches, and some signs down. A little bir of flooding as well. Im so glad everyone is safe! Continue to pray for the rest of Florida❤️❤️ #fypシ゚viral #disneyparks #disneycreator #disneyfyp #hurricane #eastcoast #wdw #weatheraware #floridaweather #hurricanemilton #waltdisneyworld #prayforflorida ♬ Mary Poppins Winds In The East – The_Delirious_DM
Elsewhere in Florida, Universal Orlando Resort announced that it would be closing early on Wednesday and remain closed today, but they anticipate reopening tomorrow, October 11, with regular hours. Universal assured guests that tickets for days affected by the shutdown could be used on alternative dates through December 18.
Guests stuck at Disney parks in Orlando have shared that they’ve been provided with lunch boxes, and a “hurricane team” has been deployed to ensure their comfort. One British tourist staying elsewhere in Orlando mentioned she had been trying to buy essentials but found that many stores were running out of flashlights as people prepared for power outages. She also described a letter given to hotel guests, which “basically said keep the patio furniture inside, you’re self-catering, you’re on your own.”
@justthemeparks Hurricane Milton is here at Walt Disney World! We’re staying safe in our room at the Art of Animation & hope everyone else in Florida is safe too! We’d also like to say a huge thank you to all the cast members who are working through the hurricane and those who kept the Magic Kingdom open this morning! The small queue’s definitely helped distract us! ❤️😂 Trust us to time our vacation during a hurricane! 🌀 #hurricanemilton #wdw #waltdisneyworld #artofanimation #disneyparks #themeparks ♬ original sound – justthemeparks
Stay safe, folks.
