President Joe Biden has issued a grave warning regarding Hurricane Milton, classifying it as potentially the worst storm to impact Florida in over a century. As the storm approaches Walt Disney World Resort, preliminary reports indicate it has reached a dangerous Category 5 hurricane status with wind speeds soaring past 170 mph.
Meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center predict that Hurricane Milton will make landfall along the state’s Gulf coast, particularly near Tampa, with winds estimated to weaken slightly to a Category 4. Alongside the high winds, historic levels of rainfall and a life-threatening storm surge are expected.
“This could be the worst storm to hit Florida in over a century, and God willing, it won’t be but that’s what it’s looking like right now,” Biden said, emphasizing the severity as much of the Southeastern United States is still reeling from Hurricane Helene.
Federal and State Coordination
In response to the impending disaster, Biden has been in touch with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Biden praised DeSantis for his proactive measures and offered his private phone number. The President has also assured that both federal and state resources are ready to assist once Hurricane Milton strikes.
“The governor of Florida has been cooperative,” Biden said. “He said he’s gotten all that he needs. I talked to him again yesterday, and … I said, ‘No, you’re doing a great job. It’s being all being done.’”
Response from Florida Officials
State of Emergency Declaration
In light of Hurricane Milton’s trajectory, DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 51 counties. This preemptive action alerts residents to the storm’s seriousness, streamlines resource mobilization, and allows immediate access to federal assistance if necessary.
Road and Transportation Adjustments
As part of the emergency measures, the Florida Department of Transportation has implemented significant changes to facilitate evacuations. Road tolls on designated evacuation routes have been suspended to ease travel for those escaping potential danger. Additionally, emergency shoulder use has been authorized on highways near the Walt Disney World Resort and other hotspots, allowing for a smoother traffic flow as people seek to evacuate the area.
Walt Disney World Resort Prepares for Hurricane Milton
Theme Parks and Resort Closures
Walt Disney World Resort has proactively announced the closures of its theme parks and select resort areas in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. According to the resort’s statement, operations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will cease early on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. EST. Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs are slated to close shortly at 2:00 p.m. EST.
The Disney parks will likely remain closed until October 10. Disney Springs could potentially reopen later in the day on Thursday with limited offerings depending on post-storm conditions. Thursday’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has been canceled.
Should families cancel vacations to Walt Disney World Resort during Hurricane Milton? Share your opinion with Disney Fanatic in the comments.
