Dr. Andrew Forrest, founder and executive chairman of Fortescue, discusses whether Hurricane Helen's strength is linked to climate change on Barney & Company.
Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando have made some changes to their operations in preparation for Hurricane Helen.
Thursday's Category 3 storm continues to move through the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida, where residents and businesses alike are preparing for landfall.
The National Hurricane Center issued a warning early Thursday afternoon that Helen would become a “near-major hurricane with further strengthening expected before making landfall in the Big Bend, Florida by evening.”
Helen approaches Florida ahead of 'unsurvivable' storm surge as hurricane strengthens to Category 3
Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando are both located in central Florida. Still, they continue to monitor the storm.
Universal Orlando told FOX Business that Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will serve guests until normal closing hours on Thursday. Meanwhile, Universal CityWalk's closing time has been moved up to 8 p.m.
The Jurassic World Veloci Coaster can be seen at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. (Dwayne Bevill/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images/File)
The theme park said its hotel is continuing its services “with a focus on guest care.”Weather updates” web page.
Universal Orlando has canceled Thursday's “Halloween Horror Nights.” Universal's Volcano Bay water park was also closed Thursday.
According to Universal Orlando, “We were planning a full reopening of our resort on Friday, September 27th, including Halloween Horror Nights.”
“The safety of our guests and cast members continues to be our top priority, and we are closely monitoring the projected path of Hurricane Helen,” Disney World said in a statement. He also directed FOX Business to “.Weather updates and information“page.
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According to its webpage, the resort was “operating under normal conditions” on Thursday, but some experiences were “(sic) canceled or unavailable.”
A sign near the entrance to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. (Joe Radle/Getty Images/File)
Guests were unable to visit Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Disney World's miniature golf course Thursday due to hurricane-related closures, according to a web page.
The theme park also said it has canceled Thursday's cabana and umbrella rentals and “Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.”
Disney World told FOX Business, “Magic Kingdom was scheduled to close today, Thursday, September 26th, at 6:00 p.m., but we are extending our hours to 8:00 p.m. to give our guests more time to enjoy the park.” he said.
fox weather previously reported About Disney World and Universal's response to Hurricane Helen.
Hurricane Helen intensifies, affecting cruise ships in South Florida
The National Weather Service's NHC told residents: Forecasted course of the storm “We must urgently prepare to protect lives and property,” he said.
Hurricane Helen forms offshore, bringing water from the Gulf of Mexico ashore on September 26, 2024, in St. Pete Beach, Florida. (Joe Radle/Getty Images)
“Although expected to weaken after landfall, Helen's rapid speed will allow damaging winds, especially gusts, to penetrate into the interior of the southeastern United States, including the southern highlands of the Appalachians. .”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 61 counties to help authorities “make critical resources available to communities ahead of the storm's impact.”
