NASALatest updates
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Two flights from Edinburgh to Orlando have been delayed by 23 hours, one on Wednesday and one on Thursday. - Flights from Glasgow due to operate on Thursday have been delayed until Friday
- Milton is expected to make landfall on the west coast of Florida late on Wednesday night, with winds of up to 165mph
Thousands of UK holidaymakers have had flights to Florida disrupted as the US braces for Hurricane Milton.
Milton is expected to make landfall on the west coast of Florida late on Wednesday night, with winds of up to 165mph.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said there was an increasing risk of a life-threatening storm surge on the west coast, and heavy rainfall and high winds are expected to affect large parts of Florida.
A number of airports in Florida are closing to commercial operations, such as Orlando International, Melbourne Orlando International and Tampa International.
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Aviation analytics company Cirium said 11 out of the 14 flights scheduled to operate between the UK and Florida on Wednesday were cancelled.
British Airways cancelled six flights connecting Gatwick with Orlando and Tampa on Wednesday.
The airline said in a statement: “Safety is always our highest priority and we continue to monitor the situation closely.
“As with other airlines, we are adjusting our flight schedules where airport closures occur and providing any affected customers with alternatives, including flight rebooking options or full refunds.”
Tui said its flying programme will be “extremely disrupted” due to the hurricane.
The travel company said it had cancelled a flight from London Gatwick to Melbourne Orlando, and two flights to the US airport from Birmingham and Glasgow due to operate on Thursday have been delayed until Friday.
It advised customers already in Florida to “follow any instructions given by your hotel management and resort teams”, adding that they are “experienced” in preparing for severe weather.
Virgin Atlantic said it has cancelled a number of flights because of “adverse weather conditions expected to be caused by Hurricane Milton”, with a state of emergency declared in Florida.
The airline cancelled two flights on Tuesday between Heathrow and Tampa, and nine on Wednesday, including between Manchester and Orlando.
A further ten flights have been called off on Thursday, involving Heathrow, Manchester, Orlando and Tampa.
Two flights from Edinburgh to Orlando have been delayed by 23 hours, one on Wednesday and one on Thursday.
Insight Philip Petrie STV Weather Presenter
Major Hurricane Milton is currently moving towards Florida and is expected to bring with it the risk of damaging winds, flash floods and a very dangerous storm surge.
Our current models show that Milton will make landfall near Tampa Bay late Wednesday night or early Thursday. By the time it makes landfall it will weaken slightly, but still bring with it the possibility of a 10-15ft storm surge in its wake.
It will continue to weaken as it crosses Florida but there is still the risk of widespread flooding, damages to buildings, power cuts and a risk to life.
The cleanup after Hurricane Helene the struck parts of Florida in late September is still ongoing, but large pieces of debris and rubble still remain, which have the potential of being swept up by the winds of Hurricane Milton and turned into dangerous projectiles.
Although we will not see the direct impacts or effects of Milton, it does have the potential of influencing the jet stream, that will in turn affect our weather here in Scotland come Friday and Saturday, however there is still some uncertainty at the moment.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “Due to severe weather conditions expected to be caused by Hurricane Milton, a state of emergency has been declared in Florida, and Tampa and Orlando airports are closing.
“Unfortunately this has impacted our flying schedule and services to and from Orlando and Tampa are subject to cancellations and delays.
“The safety and welfare of our customers and crew is our top priority.”
The FCDO said travellers should monitor approaching storms on the US National Hurricane Centre website and follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders.
It added that travellers should check with their airline or travel agent about possible disruption to flights or airport services.
An FCDO spokesperson said: “We are closely monitoring the development of Hurricane Milton towards the United States.
“We urge all British nationals in Florida or travelling to the region to follow travel advice and guidance from local authorities.”
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