The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) along with airlines and airport representatives have decided that Orlando International Airport (MCO) will cease all commercial operations at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 9, in anticipation of the impact that Tropical Storm Nicole could have on the area.
According to the schedule observed for today at Orlando International Airport, more than 300 flights will be cancelled (between arrivals and departures) this Wednesday alone because of the suspension of operations from 4 p.m. onwards. But the number will grow exponentially if the closure extends into Thursday (at the time of this publication, the cancellations extend into the afternoon of that day, depending on how the storm evolves).
«We are reviewing expectations and the actions required with airlines to determine emergency operations plans over the next 24 hours to best judge when the situation will permit operations to resume», specifies an airport statement.
The airport advises passengers to contact their respective airlines to inquire about the specific status of their flights and rental car companies about their vehicle return policies.
They also emphasize that Orlando airport is not an authorized shelter and passengers should not use it for this purpose.
Airport staff is now preparing different sectors of the facilities to withstand the storm, while maintaining constant communication with the National Weather Service, local authorities, and airport community stakeholders to assess the progress of the situation.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued at 4:00 a.m. EST (9:00 a.m. UTC) Wednesday a bulletin warning of the storm’s arrival at Great Abaco Island northwest of the Bahama Islands with hurricane conditions and warnings for the west coast of Florida and parts of Georgia and South Carolina.
At the time Tropical Storm Nicole was moving at 13 mph (20 km/h) with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 km/h).
«Tropical storm conditions are occurring across the northwestern Bahamas, and hurricane conditions are expected within the hurricane warning area later today. Tropical storm conditions are also occurring along portions of the east coast of Florida and will spread northward within the warning area through Georgia and South Carolina today and tonight. Hurricane conditions are expected within the hurricane warning area in Florida tonight or Thursday morning. Hurricane conditions are possible within the hurricane watch area tonight. Tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area along the west coast of Florida by this evening or tonight.,» the National Hurricane Center bulletin said.
Sanford International Airport, which specializes in low-cost carrier operations in the Orlando area, will also close at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, causing the cancellation of about 10 flights.
