E.N. source Reuters
Published on 09/10/2024 at 10:38 a.m.
Airlines, major retailers and even the Universal Studios theme park are preparing to face the imminent disruptions…
(Boursier.com) — Florida paralyzed by Hurricane Milton… As this meteorological phenomenon of rare intensity prepares to hit the west coast of the state this Wednesday, many American companies are suspending their operations in the region. Airlines, energy companies and even the Universal Studios theme park are preparing for the impending disruption.
Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified to become one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the region. On Tuesday, it returned to category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale – the highest – after having been downgraded to category 4, warned the National Hurricane Center (NHC), stressing that it is “a major and dangerous hurricane.
It threatens a densely populated part of Florida’s west coast, already hit hard by Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago. Faced with this threat, more than a million people have been ordered to evacuate, while President Joe Biden postponed his planned trip to Germany and Angola from October 10-15 to oversee preparations and response to the storm.
1,311 flights delayed and 701 canceled
The airline sector is particularly affected. As of Tuesday afternoon, 1,311 flights to, from or within the United States were delayed, and 701 canceled, according to FlightAware, which provides real-time, historical and predictive flight tracking data and products. These figures are expected to increase.
Southwest Airlines, one of the largest U.S. airlines, announced schedule adjustments at several airports suspending operations, including Tampa International Airport and Orlando International Airport. The latter, one of the busiest in the country, will cease its activities this Wednesday at 8 a.m. local time. At the same time, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Air Canada increased capacity to evacuate Florida residents. Tampa International Airport, meanwhile, was already closed Tuesday.
Queues around gas stations
On land, the situation is no more reassuring. Many gas stations were showing signs of shortage on Tuesday, worsened by a rush by residents for fuel. Queues stretched around the stations, some already running out of fuel.
Faced with this situation, energy companies began shutting down their pipelines and fuel distribution terminals in Tampa. Kinder Morgan, an oil pipeline operator, notably closed its Central Florida Pipeline system, made up of two small lines transporting gasoline, diesel and other fuels from Tampa to Orlando.
Fermeture d’Universal Studios
Large retailers are also taking precautions. Discount retailer Target announced the temporary closure or adjustment of hours at its stores located in the path of the storm. For its part, the department store chain Kohl’s has temporarily closed some of its establishments in the region.
Finally, the entertainment sector is not spared. Universal Studios in Orlando plans to close its doors before Hurricane Milton arrives. Cruise operators Royal Caribbean and Carnival have announced adjustments to their programs. These preventive measures demonstrate the extent of the threat that Hurricane Milton represents for Florida, already weakened by the recent passage of Helene.
