Hurricane Milton is poised to become an 'extremely dangerous' hurricane, with expectations to make landfall in Florida by Wednesday night, according to a public advisory from the National Hurricane Center released on Tuesday. The advisory notes that Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters have determined that Milton's intensity has markedly increased.
'Today marks the final day for residents of Florida to prepare their homes and families, and to evacuate if directed to do so,' the advisory warns. The latest reports indicate that maximum sustained winds have surged to approximately 155 miles per hour, with the potential for even higher gusts. The NHC stresses that while fluctuations in intensity are anticipated, Milton is expected to remain a highly dangerous hurricane through its landfall in Florida.
The hurricane's center is anticipated to cross the eastern Gulf of Mexico, approaching the west-central coast of Florida by Wednesday. Experts predict landfall will occur along the west-central coast of Florida late Wednesday, with Milton then moving east-northeast across central Florida by Thursday.
In terms of economic impact, the latest analysis suggests that Hurricane Milton could inflict damage worth as much as $175 billion, according to Stifel’s insights shared in their Tuesday note. Hundreds of flight cancellations have already been reported for services into and out of Florida, with FlightAware indicating that airports such as Tampa International, Orlando International, Southwest Florida International, and Sarasota-Bradenton International have also been affected.
In addition to airlines, Milton's arrival is set to have significant consequences for various theme parks and cruise lines. United Parks & Resorts' ($PRKS) Busch Gardens Tampa is scheduled to remain closed from Tuesday to Thursday, alongside Seaworld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando, which will be shut down on Wednesday and Thursday.
Comcast's ($CMCSA) Universal Orlando Resort announced that attractions including Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk will be closed on Thursday, while Universal Volcano Bay is set to close on Wednesday and Thursday. Walt Disney ($DIS) shared on Monday that its Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and the Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will temporarily close starting at 11 am ET on Wednesday.
The anticipated closure for Disney’s Fort Wilderness and Treehouse Villas is expected to last through Sunday, whereas the Copper Creek Cabins are projected to reopen on Friday. Furthermore, Carnival ($CCL, $CUK) has announced modifications or cancellations to select ship itineraries while keeping a close watch on schedules for potential further adjustments in response to Hurricane Milton, as detailed in an update provided on its website..