9.00 am UPDATE: Forecasts are for conditions to begin slowly improving now, with the main tourism areas to be clear of the storm by around Noon, although gusty wind and rain will still linger into the afternoon.
7.30 am UPDATE: The worst of the storm is now passing the Orlando tourism area, wind gusts are at a maximum of 52 mph with sustained winds of 30 mph. Rain is pushing through now too.
6.00 am UPDATE: Wind has been picking up across Orlando and most of Central Florida. Heavy rain is now passing over the area. Wind gusts of 53 mph are being recorded with sustained winds of 32 mph.
5.30 am UPDATE: Orlando now seeing wind gusts of 63 mph and sustained winds of 41 mph, iin the Orlando tourism corridor.
4.30 am UPDATE: Orlando is seeing wind gusts of 45 mph and sustained winds of 38 mph, very close to tropical force winds in the Orlando 1-4 area.
Hurricane Nicole officially came ashore at 3 am, she made landfall along the east coast of Florida as a category 1 storm early Thursday just south of Vero Beach.
Nicole is the first hurricane to make landfall in Florida in the month of November since 1985 when Hurricane Kate came ashore as a category 2 storm near Mexico Beach, Florida.
Quickly after landfall Nicole was downgraded to a Tropical Storm, although the wind difference is only a decrease of 5 mph.
The storm made landfall at Palm Shore packing maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, and even though the center of Nicole is going to go south of Orlando, that puts the area on the side of the storm that is going to do the most damage as far as the wind gust potential goes.
Nicole has a broad wind field and gusts could reach up to 60 to 70 mph in the Orlando metropolitan area until 9 am,
Here are the recorded wind speeds so far at the coast:
Playalinda Beach 73 mph
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station 71 mph
Melbourne at 70 mph
Indialantic at 70 mph
Patrick Space Force Station at 67 mph
Sebastian Inlet at 66 mph
New Smyrna Beach at 60 mph
Vero Beach at 58 mph
Winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 485 miles, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Here in the Orlando area, we are seeing the arrival of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the potential for isolated tornadoes, and power outages.
Stay indoors for now, and be safe!
Central Florida Nicole Updates
We will be updating this page live throughout the storm, stay safe everyone!
Theme Parks
Walt Disney World Resort
UPDATE:
Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Water Parks Reopening Schedule
THEME PARKS
Walt Disney World Resort theme parks will reopen in a phased approach beginning at 12:00 PM Thursday, November 10. Planned theme park operating hours based on current projections are as follows.
Magic Kingdom Park:
Noon to 6:00 PM (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is scheduled for 7:00 PM to midnight.)
EPCOT:
1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park:
1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
2:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Fantasmic! will not be presented on Thursday, November 10.)
Transportation to theme parks will begin 30 minutes prior to the scheduled park reopening time.
Reservations for bookable experiences within the theme parks will resume at the scheduled park reopening time
As previously shared, extended evening theme park hours at Magic Kingdom will be cancelled Wednesday, November 9.
To align with modified theme park hours, nighttime spectaculars will be cancelled Wednesday, November 9, including Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom park, Harmonious at EPCOT, and Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Partially used multi-day theme park tickets with a validity window impacted by Hurricane Nicole will be automatically extended within 24 hours to allow use of the remaining unused ticket days through September 20, 2023. In order to enter a park, both a park reservation and valid ticket for the same park on the same date are required.
WATER PARKS AND MINI GOLF
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park will remain closed Thursday, November 10. (Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park is currently closed.)
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will remain closed Thursday, November 10.
RESORT HOTELS
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is anticipated to reopen Thursday, November 10, following an assessment of storm impacts.
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will reopen for Guests checking in Thursday, November 10.
At this time, all other Walt Disney World Resort hotels remain open to Guests.
Character breakfasts at Disney Resort hotels will not include Characters Thursday morning, November 10, so we can accommodate more Resort Guests staying at these locations for breakfast.
For Guests looking to modify or cancel their Disney Resort hotel reservations, please visit DisneyWorld.com/Plans.
Other Walt Disney World Experiences
The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyage scheduled to begin Thursday, November 10 will be cancelled. We are contacting Guests with reservations.
Dining and Enchanting Extras
Effective immediately, we will not enforce cancellation policies until further notice for dining and other experiences like Savi’s Workshop and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Guests with pre-paid reservations will be cancelled and refunded to the original form of payment. Performances of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground have been cancelled for Wednesday, November 9 and Thursday, November 10. Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise has been cancelled for Wednesday, November 9.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs will begin a phased reopening at 12:00 PM, Thursday, November 10.
Disney Bus transportation from Disney Springs will resume at 2:00 PM Thursday, November 10.
UPDATE: Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Water Parks To Close!
As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 9, Walt Disney World is planning to make the following operational adjustments as they continue to prioritize the safety of Cast Members and Guests during the storm:
THEME PARKS
Walt Disney World Resort theme parks will have a phased closure today, Nov. 9, beginning at 5 p.m. and will remain closed through tomorrow morning, Nov. 10. Resort Guests are encouraged to enjoy food and beverage options at the theme parks prior to returning to their Disney Resort hotel. Theme parks will likely not reopen at their regularly scheduled time tomorrow, Nov. 10.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Closing today, Nov. 9, at 5 p.m. with last dining reservations at 5 p.m.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Closing today, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. with last dining reservations at 6 p.m.
Magic Kingdom Park: Closing today, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. Last dining reservations for Be Our Guest, Liberty Tree Tavern, Diamond Horseshoe and Cinderella’s Royal Table will be at 6 p.m., and last dining for all other dining reservations will be at 6:30 p.m.
EPCOT: Closing today, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. Last dining reservations for Monsieur Paul, Space 220 Restaurant, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and Garden Grill Restaurant will be at 6 p.m., and last dining for all other dining reservations will be at 6:30 p.m.
As previously shared, extended evening theme park hours at Magic Kingdom will be canceled today, Nov. 9. To align with modified theme park hours, nighttime spectaculars will be canceled today, Nov. 9, including Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom Park, Harmonious at EPCOT, and Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. WATER PARKS AND MINI GOLF
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will temporarily close tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 10. (Disney’s Blizzard Beach is currently closed.)
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will close early today, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. and will remain temporarily closed tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 10.
UPDATE: As Tropical Storm Nicole continues to target Central Florida, Walt Disney World has implemented a policy whereby any customary cancellation fees will be waived by The Walt Disney Company.
It’s not known at this time whether the cancellation fees Disney refers to include dining and special experiences.
Here’s the very brief statement made by Disney:
Guests may reschedule their trip or cancel their stay without any customary cancellation fees.
UPDATE: Walt Disney World have announced that Disney Springs will close early today, November 9, at 7 p.m., with last dining reservations at 6:30 p.m.
Disney Springs will remain closed through tomorrow morning, November 10.
UPDATE: Disney Bus transportation from Disney Springs will operate until 8 p.m. today, Nov. 9.
UPDATE: Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyage scheduled to begin tomorrow, November 10 will be cancelled. WDW are contacting Guests with reservations.
UPDATE: Walt Disney World Hotel Information
Guests staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will be required to depart by 3 p.m. today, Nov. 9
Walt Disney World are contacting Guests with reservations to help them find alternate accommodations
Guests staying at the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will be required to depart by today, Nov. 9, at 3 p.m. We are contacting Guests with reservations to help them find alternative accommodations.
At this time, all other Walt Disney World Resort hotels remain open to Guests.
Character breakfasts at Disney Resort hotels will not include characters tomorrow morning, Nov. 10, so Walt Disney World can accommodate more Resort Guests staying at these locations for breakfast.
UPDATE: Performances of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground have been cancelled for Wednesday, November 9.
UPDATE: Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise has been cancelled for Wednesday, November 9.
UPDATE: Due to poor weather expected ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole's arrival in Central Florida, Walt Disney World have decided to cancel this evening's performance, Wednesday, November 9, of Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
UPDATE: The Extended Evening Hours scheduled at Magic Kingdom Park have been cancelled for Wednesday, November 9.
Walt Disney World Theme Parks are currently operating under normal conditions.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf will be closed Thursday, November 10.
Walt Disney World say they are continuing to closely monitor Tropical Storm Nicole and are making necessary operational adjustments to maintain the safety of their Guests and Cast Members.
Universal Orlando Resort
UPDATE: Universal Orlando Resort have announced that Universal Orlando Resort, including its Theme Parks and CityWalk, will close early today, on Wednesday, November 9 at 5 p.m.
The resort hotels will remain operational as they focus on taking care of guests.
Universal say that it expects a phased and delayed reopening tomorrow, on Thursday, November 10.
Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure and CityWalk operations and hours are continuing as normal, but Universal say that they are continuing to closely monitor the weather.
Volcano Bay Water Theme Park will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday November 9.
Hotels will also remain operational as they focus on taking care of guests and team members.
SeaWorld Orlando
UPDATE: SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica Orlando will be closed Thursday. November 10, 2022.
Precautions are in place following the park's comprehensive weather preparedness plan to ensure the safety of the animals and ambassadors during this time.
SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove will be closing today at 4 p.m, with Aquatica Orlando already closed today.
SeaWorld Orlando have announced that due to the incoming Tropical Storm Nicole, their water park, Aquatica is to be closed Wednesday November 9, while SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Bay will open as normal at 10 am.
SeaWorld stated that the reason for the closure of Aquatica was to ensure the safety of their ambassadors, guests, and animals.
The company said the they will continue to monitor the storm, and will issue updated in regards to any further closures on Thursday.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
UPDATE: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed on November 10 due to Tropical Storm Nicole. Precautions are in place following the park's comprehensive weather preparedness plan to ensure the safety of the animals and ambassadors during this time.
Currently, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will continue to operate as normal.
LEGOLAND Florida
UPDATE: LEGOLAND Florida Resort is adjusting park hours and operations tomorrow, Thursday, November 10:
LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park will be open from 12PM - 6PM.
LEGOLAND Water Park will be closed on Thursday.
Legoland Florida say that the Resort hotels will remain open and continue normal operations.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort will remain open at this time.
LEGOLAND Florida is closely monitoring the development of Tropical Storm Nicole and will continue to operate as planned at this time.
The resort will provide updates as they learn more about the path of the storm
Peppa Pig Theme Park
UPDATE: Peppa Pig Theme Park is adjusting park hours and operations tomorrow, Thursday, November 10, with the park open from 12PM - 5PM.
Peppa Pig Theme Park will remain open at this time.
Peppa Pig Theme Park is closely monitoring the development of Tropical Storm Nicole and will continue to operate as planned at this time.
The resort will provide updates as they learn more about the path of the storm
Attractions
Kennedy Space Center
UPDATE: Based on the latest recommendations provided by the Brevard County Emergency Management Office, Kennedy Space Center will be closed Wednesday, November 9 and will remain closed Thursday November 10 for the safety of guests and crewmembers.
KSC still anticipate reopening on Friday, November 11 at 9:00 am after a thorough assessment of the property has been completed.
Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex has announced that it will be closed Thursday due to expected severe weather from Tropical Storm Nicole.
The visitor complex will remain open on Wednesday, but all Kennedy Space Center Bus Tours and Kennedy Space Center Explore Tours will be closed.
This includes access to Apollo/Saturn V Center. The main visitor complex will remain open for normal operations.
Kennedy Space Center anticipate reopening on Friday, November 11 at 9:00 am after a thorough assessment of the property has been completed.
ICON Park
The Wheel at ICON Park will be closed starting at 3 p.m. today, Nov. 9 and will remain closed through Thursday, Nov. 10.
The Carousel on the Promenade will be closed Nov. 9 to 10.
Safety for guests, tenants and staff is top of mind and storm preparations have already begun.
Restaurants and attractions will remain open for business unless the weather becomes too severe (contact tenants directly for their storm schedule).
For more information, visit www.iconparkorlando.com
Gatorland
Gatorland will close Thursday, November 10 due to approaching turbulent weather expected as Tropical Storm Nicole gets closer to Central Florida.
The park will reopen Friday, November 11 at 10 a.m.
Fun Spot America
To ensure the safety of employees and guests Fun Spot America have made the following operational changes:
Both Fun Spot Orlando and Kissimmee will be closing at 6pm today, November 9, and expect to reopen tomorrow, November 10th at 2pm.
Wild Florida
Wild Florida is making adjustments to it''s operations and will continue to monitor the storm’s path and strength and consult with local emergency officials as needed,
The park announced that no airboat tours will occur on Wednesday, November 9, and Wild Florida will be closed on Thursday, November 10.
Drawn To Life By Cirque Du Soleil
In the interest of the safety of guests, cast and crew, Cirque Du Soleil have cancelling the 8pm performance tonight, November 9, of Drawn to Life at Disney Springs due to Tropical Storm Nicole.
Hamilton The Musical
Tonight's performance of Hamilton at Dr Phillips Center has ben cancelled.
Wonderworks
WonderWorks Orlando will be closing at 9:00 pm on Wednesday, November 9th, and anticipate reopening at 10:00 am on Thursday, November 10th.
Old Town Kissimmee
Old Town Kissimmee have cancelled their Wednesday Car Show tonight, November 9, and also Karaoke tomorrow, Thursday November 10.
Mennello Museum of American Art
The Mennello Museum of American Art will be closed on Thursday, November 10 and plans to reopen on Friday, November 11.
Leu Garden
Leu Gardens will be closed Thursday and plans to reopen on Friday for classes. The garden ground will reopen as soon as possible, pending any damage or debris cleanup.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens have made the decision to close the Zoo from Wednesday, November 9, through Friday, November 11.
This will give their team time to prepare and clean up the property.
The zoo say they will continue to assess the situation and will provide updates when they can.
Snowcat Ridge Snow Park
Snowcat Ridge was due to reopen for its third season on Friday, November 11, but the attraction have made the decision to delay the opening of Snowcat Ridge until Wednesday, November 16, 2022.
The park said they had made the decision for the safety of guests and to ensure that guests have the best possible experience at the park.
Snowcat Ridge have refunded guests who purchased tickets during the days of November 11 through November 13, 2022
Brevard Zoo
Brevard Zoo will be closed on Wednesday, November 9, and Thursday, November 10, as Florida prepares for Tropical Storm Nicole.
The Zoo plans to reopen on Friday, November 11, pending any possible damage.
Transportation
Orlando International Airport
UPDATE:
Operational Update - Tropical Storm Nicole Commercial operations are still halted for today at MCO. We'll post updates as they become available and we ask you to please continue to work with your airline in regards to your specific flight. Thursday 11/10 10.00. am
Orlando International Airport has made a decision to cease commercial operations at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, November 9th, until circumstances permit operations resume.
The airport say they will continue to monitor Tropical Storm Nicole to determine the potential impact at MCO.
MCO are requesting that passengers contact their airline directly in regards to specific flights.
Airport officials said they are continuing to monitor the storm and will provide additional updates as they are warranted.
Orlando Sanford International Airport
The Airport passenger terminal and runway will be closing Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 4:00 pm.
Al flights will be cancelled from this time, for more info on flights, contact your airline. Allegiant 702-505-8888, Swoop 587-441-1001 and Flair Air 855-936-5656.
The airport is advising all passengers not to come to the airport.
Melbourne Orlando International Airport
Melbourne Orlando International Airport has announced that it will close at 2pm on Wednesday, November 9.
The airport has said that it will resume normal operations as quickly as possible once conditions are safe following Nicole.
Melbourne Airport will announce reopening details as soon as they are available.
They advise passengers to contact their airline directly for flight information.
Passengers are requested not to come to the airport during the hurricane closure.
Daytona Beach International Airport
The airport terminal building and airfield will close at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9. due to Tropical Storm Nicole.
All flights after this time are canceled, except for government, emergency, and humanitarian aircraft.
The airport is scheduled to reopen at 4 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11. Passengers should check with their airlines for updates to flight schedules. As a reminder, the airport is not a designated shelter.
SunRail
SunRail service will be suspended beginning on Wednesday, November 9 as SunRail will begin working to prepare the corridor and render it safe prior to the impending storm.
Brightline
Brightline will operate a modified train schedule on Wednesday, November 11.
For more information, visit: bit.ly/3tfxK0h
Toll Roads
The Florida Department of Transportation continues to monitor weather conditions.
As Tropical Storm Nicole approaches Florida, remember to use FL511 for real-time travel updates and information about road closures: www.fl511.com
Lynx
LYNX will shut down all ACCESS LYNX trips that are not “life-sustaining.” All other LYNX services will continue to operate until further notice.
