Orlando area airports, SunRail shutting down for Tropical Storm Nicole
Orlando’s main airports and commuter rail service said Tuesday they would shut down in advance of Tropical Storm Nicole.
Orlando International Airport announced it will cease commercial flights at 4 p.m. Wednesday because of the approach of Nicole, which is forecast to move west across the Bahamas and possibly strengthen into a hurricane.
Restarting flights will occur when “the situation and circumstances permit,” said airport spokesperson Carolyn Fennell.
Orlando International Airport has two terminals, operates five sets of shuttle trains and is served by dozens of domestic and international airlines, making the task of ceasing flights complex. Aviation authorities stress the airport will remain open for emergency or military aircraft.
The National Hurricane Center’s forecast Tuesday afternoon for Nicole showed the storm making landfall Thursday morning along Brevard County, weakening to a tropical storm and potential tracking over Orlando International Airport in south Orange County.
A little more north, Orlando Sanford International Airport announced that it was closing on Tuesday afternoon.
“The Orlando Sanford International Airport will be closing [Tuesday] after the final flight out, which is scheduled to depart at 4 p.m.,” the airport said in a statement. “If passengers have travel scheduled through SFB need to contact their airline.”
Orlando Sanford International also asked the public not to come to the airport. “The airport is not a shelter,” it said. “If travelers need assistance they can call the Seminole County Citizens Information line [407-665-0000].”
The Melbourne Orlando International Airport said it will close at 2 p.m. Wednesday due to Nicole. The airport anticipates reopening Thursday evening but said “specific reopening details will be released as more information becomes available.” It also reminded residents not to try to shelter at the airport.
The Florida Department of Transportation said it would be suspending SunRail service beginning Wednesday.
It said crews will begin working to prepare the corridor for the impending storm, including securing railroad gates at 126 railroad crossings on the 61.5-mile corridor, inspecting and storing the SunRail train fleet, and securing railroad equipment.
“After the storm, and when conditions stabilize, a complete inspection of the entire corridor is necessary to assess the storm’s impact and to prepare the system to reinstate rail service for SunRail, as well as freight and Amtrak operations,” the FDOT said. “Restoration of service includes safety inspections, reinstalling gates and removal of any obstruction on the railroad tracks.”
