
President Joe Biden has issued a series of warnings regarding Hurricane Milton, which is reportedly on track to be one of the most severe storms to hit Florida (including Walt Disney World Resort) in over a century. As the storm rapidly intensified to a Category 5 hurricane, wind speeds soared above 170 mph.
Meteorologists from the National Hurricane Center predict that this catastrophic storm is poised to make landfall near Tampa, bringing damaging winds, extensive rain, and a life-threatening storm surge. Biden stressed the urgency for preparations while expressing hope for a lesser outcome just days after Hurricane Helene devastated some of the same areas.
“The current path is terminated … in the Tampa Bay area and cuts directly across the state, east to west, all the way across the state, with the potential for this storm to both enter Florida as a hurricane and leave Florida as a hurricane on the Atlantic coast,” Biden said. “This could be the worst storm to hit Florida in over a century, and God willing, it won’t be but that’s what it’s looking like right now.”
Biden also made contact with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who previously refused a phone call from Vice President Kamala Harris. He offered DeSantis his private phone number and all necessary federal resources in the storm’s aftermath.
“The governor of Florida has been cooperative,” President Biden explained. “He said he’s gotten all that he needs. I talked to him again yesterday, and … I said, ‘No, you’re doing a great job. It’s being all being done.’”
Preparation Measures in Florida
State of Emergency Declared
In anticipation of Hurricane Milton, Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency across 51 Florida counties, facilitating swift mobilization of state resources for storm response. Evacuation orders were issued for areas deemed most vulnerable, including Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Infrastructure Adjustments
As part of the preparation efforts, the Florida Department of Transportation has enacted several measures to support public safety. Road tolls on hurricane evacuation routes were suspended, allowing residents to exit affected areas more easily. Emergency shoulder use was also activated, ensuring smooth traffic flow amidst increased evacuation demands.
Impact on Walt Disney World Resort
Theme Park Closures
The renowned Walt Disney World Resort has taken precautionary steps in light of Hurricane Milton’s forecast. On Tuesday, as the storm inches closer, the resort announced the early closure of its theme parks on October 9.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are set to close at 1:00 p.m. EST, followed shortly by Magic Kingdom Park, Disney Springs, and EPCOT, which will close at 2:00 p.m. Walt Disney World Resort said that Disney Springs may open with limited offerings late on Thursday depending on post-hurricane conditions.
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