Fortescue Founder and Executive Chairman Dr. Andrew Forrest discusses how the intensity of Hurricane Helene is related to climate change in ‘Varney & Co.’
Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando have made some operational changes in preparation for Hurricane Helene.
The Category 3 hurricane on Thursday continued to move through the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida, where residents and businesses alike were bracing for landfall.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) advised early Thursday afternoon that Helene is “likely to become a major hurricane with further strengthening forecast before landfall over the Florida Big Bend” this evening.
HELENE STRENGTHENS TO 3rd BIG STORM IN FLORIDA AHEAD OF ‘SEVERE’ STORM
Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando are both located in central Florida. Still, they have been keeping an eye on the storm.
Universal Orlando told FOX Business that Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will offer visitors Thursday until their regular closing times. Meanwhile, it has increased the closing time of Universal CityWalk to 8pm
The Jurassic World VelociCoaster is on view at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images/File)
Existing hotels have continued their services “as they focus on taking care of our guests,” according to the park’s “Weather Updates” webpage.
Universal Orlando has discontinued its Thursday offering of “Halloween Horror Nights.” Universal Volcano Bay, its own water park, was also closed Thursday.
“We anticipated the full opening of our resort including Halloween Horror Nights on Friday, September 27,” according to Universal Orlando.
Meanwhile, Disney World said it is “closely monitoring the proposed path of Hurricane Helene as we continue to prioritize the safety of our guests and Cast Members.” It also directed FOX Business to its “Weather Updates and Information” page.
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The resort was “operating under normal conditions” and some attractions were “cancelled or unavailable” on Thursday, according to the website.
A sign near the entrance to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images/File)
Guests were unable to visit Typhoon Lagoon water park or Disney World’s miniature golf courses on Thursday due to storm-related closures, according to the webpage.
The theme park also canceled Thursday’s cabana and umbrella rentals and the “Not-So-Mickey Halloween Party,” it said.
“While the Magic Kingdom was scheduled to close today, Thursday, September 26 at 6 p.m., we are extending operating hours until 8 p.m. so guests can enjoy more time in the park,” Disney World told FOX Business.
FOX Weather previously reported on Disney World and Universal’s responses to Hurricane Helene.
SOLUTION HELENE STRIKES SOUTH FLORIDA AS STORM CONTINUES
The National Weather Service’s NHC told residents in the storm that “preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.”
Water from the Gulf of Mexico is coming ashore as Hurricane Helene makes landfall in St. Pete Beach, Florida, Thursday. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
“It is expected to weaken after landfall, but Helene’s forward speed (sic) will allow strong, damaging winds, especially tornadoes, to move inland across the southeastern United States, including the high elevations of the southern Appalachians,” it said.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 61 counties to help officials “make essential services available to communities ahead of any potential storm impacts.”
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