Orlando International Airport is preparing for significant impacts to flights in and out of the airport as Hurricane Helen continues to target Florida.
Hurricane Helene is set to bring chaos to Florida, with the now catastrophic storm taking aim at the Big Bend area of Florida, and while here in Central Florida we will avoid a direct hit, significant storm effects are expected in the hours ahead.
The National Weather Service is expecting the greater Orlando area to experience wind gusts in excess of 50 mph together with the threat of isolated tornados. Rain will also bring upwards of 3 inches expected which could lead to flooding.
Currently Orlando is under a Tornado Watch and Tropical Storm Warning.
Air travel is expected to be severley impacted, with over 1200 U.S. flights already canceled for today, Thursday due to Hurricane Helene.
Tampa International Airport, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Tallahassee International Airport are already closed for the day, with airlines offering travel waivers.
During this time Orlando international Airport is expecting to remain open and operational, but passengers should expect significant delays and cancelations in the next 12 - 24 hours.
Passengers are advised to check with their airline directly for any updates regarding specific flights.
For airport status, please visit: https://nasstatus.faa.gov/.
While Orlando International and Orlando Executive airports are both open and operational, crews with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority are undertaking storm preps in advance of Hurricane Helene out of an abundance of caution.
These storm preps include securing outdoor equipment, lowering water levels in area ponds, removing A-frame signage near certain parking areas, ensuring emergency generators are working properly, and pruning trees to minimize potential debris.
Team members have also held briefings with airlines and other airport partners as well as activated the Aviation Authority’s hurricane emergency response plan.
The Aviation Authority will take protective measures throughout the coming hours and will continue to monitor the storm through the National Weather Service in Melbourne and coordinate airport activities accordingly.
For more information: https://www.orlandoairports.net.
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