Hurricane Dorian: Orlando International Airport now closing Tuesday morning

Orlando International Airport will now cease commercial flight operations on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, at 2 a.m. as Hurricane Dorian approaches Florida.

Passengers are being advised to check in with their airlines for flight information and changes, officials said. The airport had originally planned to close down Monday morning, but remained open after the hurricane’s path changed.

However, now the National Weather Service has placed Central Florida under a Tropical Storm Warning, which means the airport could se sustained storm winds between 40-45 miles per hour “which prevents the safe operation of automated people mover systems and places first responders in harm’s way when responding to emergency situations” the airport announced.

“In close consultation with the National Weather Service, airlines and airport stakeholders, airport leadership has determined it is in the best interest of the Orlando International Airport passengers and employees to cease operations. Because of the uncertainty of the storm’s track and the need to complete storm preparations by airport and air carriers, airport executive leadership has determined ceasing commercial operations is necessary,” the airport announced.

Although Hurricane Dorian is expected to remain off the east coast bringing gusts of 65 mph to the Orlando area. Severe weather conditions are expected from Tuesday morning through to Wednesday evening.