Tampa Airport To Close for Hurricane Milton: Orlando International and Walt Disney World Operations Update

5 hours ago in "Severe Weather impacts to Walt Disney World"

Forum Forums Tweet Share Tweet Share

Gallery / 5 Photos
Hurricane Milton

Posted: Monday October 7, 2024 10:38am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

UPDATE 1:30pm - Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Halt Operations Ahead of Hurricane Milton

As Hurricane Milton rapidly strengthens in the Gulf of Mexico and approaches Florida, Tampa International Airport (TPA) has announced it will suspend all commercial and cargo operations starting at 9 am on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

The airport will remain closed to the public until the storm passes and a damage assessment can be completed. This closure could significantly affect visitors traveling to Walt Disney World Resort, especially those flying into Tampa or planning to travel through the area.

Tampa Airport's Preparations

Tampa International Airport is preparing for the storm by securing jet bridges, ground equipment, and any remaining aircraft. The airport, which is located in an "A" evacuation zone, will not be staffed during the closure and will not provide shelter for people or vehicles. Airport officials are urging travelers to follow emergency management guidelines and avoid bringing vehicles to the airport for parking.

Impact on Walt Disney World Visitors

Many travelers flying into Walt Disney World Resort may have planned to use Tampa International Airport as their arrival or departure hub. The closure of TPA will likely result in significant disruptions, including flight cancellations and rebooking challenges. Guests who had planned to arrive at or depart from TPA should contact their airlines immediately to confirm their flight status and discuss alternative arrangements.

Travelers heading to Walt Disney World are encouraged to consider alternate airports, such as Orlando International Airport (MCO), which remains operational but has activated its Emergency Operations Center and is taking precautionary measures as Hurricane Milton approaches. However, delays and cancellations are also expected at MCO, and passengers should monitor airline updates closely.

Orlando International Airport Prepares for Milton

Although Orlando International Airport (MCO) has not announced a full closure as of this time, airport officials have initiated pre-storm procedures. These preparations include securing outdoor items, construction sites, and boarding bridges in anticipation of strong winds and heavy rain associated with the storm.

MCO has also been holding briefings with airlines and other partners as part of its hurricane emergency response plan. While the airport remains open, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information, as delays and cancellations are expected throughout the week. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority will continue to monitor the storm and provide updates if further operational changes are needed.

Hurricane Milton Forecast and Expected Impact

As of this morning, Hurricane Milton has strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph. The storm is located approximately 745 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, and is forecasted to continue intensifying into a Category 4 hurricane as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico. The storm is expected to make landfall along Florida's west coast by Wednesday, October 9, with potential life-threatening storm surge, high winds, and heavy rainfall impacting much of the state.

Hurricane warnings and storm surge watches are already in effect for parts of the Florida Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay, where storm surge levels could reach between 8 to 12 feet. In central Florida, including the Orlando area, the storm could bring significant rainfall, leading to flash flooding and potential disruptions to travel and resort operations.

Hurricane Milton - October 7, 7am

What Walt Disney World Guests Should Do

Visitors heading to Walt Disney World in the coming days should closely monitor updates from both Tampa International Airport and Orlando International Airport to assess their travel options. With TPA closing and MCO expecting delays, it's crucial for travelers to contact their airlines for the latest information and to explore alternative travel arrangements if needed.

Guests staying at Walt Disney World should also be prepared for possible park closures or operational changes depending on the storm's trajectory and intensity. Disney is actively monitoring the situation and has already suspended theme park reservations for October 9, the day Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall.

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

celluloid7 minutes ago

The issue is(and not all problems can be solved but the reality) you do a half day Wedsnesday and the employees still have to get home. Many that work central live in the Tampa/Plant City/Lakeland areas. We know Weds is closed because they closed reservations for the parks. Thursday likely a late opening at their best wishes as they should be assessing the damage once the storm is done overnight.

LSLS8 minutes ago

Honestly I'd guess because there are some real unknowns on this thing right now. How strong and when are still big question mark (though agree, I can't imagine Wed being anything but closed). I think as long as they make a decision tonight, it's not a huge deal.

celluloid9 minutes ago

Someone ealrier asked if the storm was going to be similar to Irma in its hit. Milton is coming from the gulf and is currently at a Cat 5, as Irma was for a record breaking 3 days. This will be similar. Milton is also on its way to possibly do this if it does not weaken, but even more to note perhaps is that it is at 914 pressure. Lower the millibars the more organized and stronger the storm. That is why to me this thing is far similar to Charley. Hope the October air and water help weaken it.

jlhwdw11 minutes ago

I assume it is because if it slows down and they can do a half day Wednesday they don't want to take that option off the table. I have no doubt that those that need to know, know. But you don't want to call it until the 11th hour because you can't take it back.

celluloid12 minutes ago

Yeah. Wedsnesday is a common sense give in so it makes you wonder what the holdup is other than having all one announcement of days vs multiple announcements. Legoland made their call. Weds and Thurs. I expect the same for Uni and events soon.

HauntedPirate15 minutes ago

Curious as to why TDO hasn't made any closure announcements yet. I understand it's a huge operation and there are many things to consider, but it's not as if A) This storm is brand new as of this morning, and B) the track hasn't been fairly well-established for 36-48 hours and will impact the immediate area. We are 50-ish hours out from potential landfall and less than that until wind and rain begin impacting the greater Orlando area.

LSLS20 minutes ago

Yeah. I have some friends getting out. One said he's not looking forward to it, but this thing is to powerful to risk now. Said he's getting up at 2 am with his wife, kids, and pets and tracking up North (hoping to beat some traffic). Probably the best plan. We did that with Irma when we got dumped back into Canaveral a day early without any real knowledge of everything going on (and left middle of the night). It definitely helped compared to some people we met in the Carolinas at the hotel.

IanDLBZF20 minutes ago

Brightline service update (see below)⬇️

celluloid27 minutes ago

Expect no HHN Weds(of course) and Thursday Night. Friday and Sat to some extent will be odd.

Purduevian28 minutes ago

~8.1 of the gravity buildings!

celluloid30 minutes ago

But only 3 and a half Living Seas.

HauntedPirate31 minutes ago

That's like 8 Cosmic Rewinds! 😂

celluloid32 minutes ago

Nice. I remember Palm Trees being uprooted in Charley and Wilma. Definitely stronger with their bend. It was wild to see them uprooted too. One against the house I was living at during Wilma.