Hurricane Dorian update: Orlando International Airport to remain open

A change in the potential path of Hurricane Dorian to remain off the coast of Florida has prompted Orlando International Airport to lift its planned closure of the airport at Monday at 2 a.m.

“Based upon updated Hurricane Dorian forecasts, and after conferring with the National Weather Service, airlines and federal partners, it has been decided that Orlando International Airport will lift its previously planned closure on Monday, Sept. 2, 2019,” according to the airport’s statement.

“Orlando International Airport will continue normal operations on Monday. The previous decision was made after careful consideration and out an abundance of caution for the safety and security of the traveling public and airport employees.

“Original storm forecasts reported the hurricane could have greatly impacted Orlando International and the entire Central Florida region. The latest updates show that Hurricane Dorian changed its path and has proven to the an unpredictable storm.

“The airports’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will continue 24 hours a day monitoring Hurricane Dorian and airport leaders will work with industry partners to determine if any further adjustments to the airport operations plans are necessary.

“Passengers are advised to contact their airlines and rental car companies directly for individual and rental car information,” the statement reads.

Central Florida is in the cone of uncertainty.

As of 8 a.m. Sunday, Hurricane Dorian grew into a Category 5 hurricane with 160 mph winds as it bears down on the Bahamas, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The storm has shifted west again slightly, more inland to include Orlando and Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney World is operating under normal conditions and is “closely monitoring the path of the projected weather, as nothing is more important than the safety of our guests and Cast Members,” the company reported.

The resort has taken precautions in case of severe weather already, securing work areas and loose items in case of high winds.

Hurricane Dorian continues to move west toward the northwestern Bahamas. Dorian will slow its forward speed as it moves across the islands tonight, according to the National Weather Service.

By Monday, Dorian will turn northwest toward the central Florida Atlantic waters. As Dorian slowly begins to make its closest point of approach to east central Florida, it is then forecast to turn toward the north-northwest and move parallel to the coast. The exact track forecast remains uncertain, and east central Florida remains under the threat of direct impacts from Dorian, especially along the coast.

Dorian will remain a major Category 3 or 4 hurricane as it makes its closest approach to east central Florida. While the current forecast keeps the center of Dorian offshore, those along the Treasure Coast should prepare for Tropical Storm conditions arriving early Monday morning. Farther north, Tropical Storm conditions are forecast to arrive in Brevard County by Monday night, and Volusia County on Tuesday.

Gusts to Tropical Storm force will be possible across interior areas, especially in passing squalls, as Dorian makes its nearest approach to the central Florida coast from Monday night through Tuesday.

Heavy rainfall is forecast over east central Florida with storm total accumulations of 4 to 6 inches with maximum isolated rainfall amounts to 10 inches along the east coast. Flash flooding is possible, especially in urban and poorly drained areas, with river flooding to continue at some points and develop at others.

We will continue to update and monitor the storm and provide updates.

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