The Orlando International Airport will close down later today in preparation for Tropical Storm Nicole, which is projected to make landfall in Florida tonight.
The airport, which is located at 1 Jeff Fuqua Boulevard, will cease all commercial operations beginning at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 9, according to a statement issued by airport officials.
“We’ll continue to monitor the storm’s path and we’ll post updates as they become available,” reads the statement.
Airport officials are advising anyone who is scheduled to fly out or into Orlando to check with specific airlines for additional flight information.
“Once the inclement weather passes through our area, a damage assessment across property will take place. Airport & airline leadership will meet to determine when it is safe to resume commercial services,” reads the statement from officials.
Officials in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Volusia counties are warning residents to prepare for the storm, which is projected to bring up to five inches of rainfall to the area.
According to the National Hurricane Center, as of 10 a.m. on Wednesday, the storm is moving over the Bahamas and will make its way to the east coast of Florida tonight. As of this morning, the storm has maximum sustained winds near 70 mph and is considered a large tropical storm, extending outward up to 460 miles.
Multiple city and county organizations, including sheriff’s offices and government buildings, will close at 3 p.m. today in preparation for the storm, which is expected to reach hurricane status by tonight.