Just over a month after Hurricane Ian devastated parts of southwest Florida, the region is bracing for another major weather event, as Tropical Storm Nicole heads toward the northwest Bahamas on Wednesday morning and is expected to hit eastern Florida by Wednesday evening. So far: Orlando and Palm Beach airports are in the pipeline, Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) will close Wednesday at 2 p.m., followed by Orlando International Airport (MCO) at 4 p.m. Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) had a layover Wednesday morning. It is expected to reopen Thursday, airport officials announced in a press release. “Specific reopening details will be announced as more information becomes available, according to the statement. Other closures: theme parks and cruises Walt Disney World Walt Disney World announced mid-morning Wednesday that it would begin gradual closures of its four parks beginning with Animal Kingdom at 5 p.m. , Hollywood Studios at 6 p.m. nd Magic Kingdom and Epcot at 7 p.m. Night shows and extended evening park hours have also been cancelled. All parks are expected to reopen tomorrow, November 10, though Disney expects “parks will likely not reopen” entertainment on a regular basis. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park and all mini golf courses will remain closed tomorrow. November 9, and he will be assisted in finding alternative accommodations. The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyage is canceled on November 10, and guests with questions about changes or cancellations to their Disney World vacation can find more information on Disney’s weather update page. 9 that it will close its theme parks and CityWalk area at 5 p.m. today. The decision was previously made to close the Volcano Bay water park today. According to the park’s website, they are expecting a “phased and postponed reopening” for Thursday, November 10. SeaWorld Orlando & Busch Gardens Tampa Bay In preparation for Tropical Storm Nicole, SeaWorld Orlando made the decision November 8 to close the park’s Aquatica Orlando waters through Thursday, November 10. Additionally, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will close on November 10, with reopenings expected Friday, November 11, all date-affected tickets extended through December 31, 2022 As of 7 AM EST Tropical Storm Nicole is moving West toward Greater Abaco Island, Bahamas, approximately 240 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida, with sustained winds of 70 mph. Remaining in effect in Orange and Osola counties, which includes Orlando, the National Weather Service expects Nicole to hit the southeast coast and the Middle East of Florida as a hurricane, and tropical storm conditions in Florida and Georgia (A) will begin early in the day.
