Cruise Ships Diverted, Class Canceled Ahead Of Matthew's Arrival
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Several cruise ships have been rerouted from their regularly scheduled Caribbean and Bahamas ports to Key West due to Hurricane Matthew.
The Southern Most City was chosen because it is not currently under a tropical storm warning.
As Hurricane Matthew approaches the Bahamas, nine Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessels have moored at Truman Harbor in Key West.
Naval Air Station Key West spokeswoman Trice Denny says a University of Miami Rosentiel School research vessel called the Whalton Smith is expected to arrive in port in Key West on Wednesday.
Up the state, Brevard County officials have ordered the evacuation of the barrier islands and flood-prone areas beginning at 3 p.m. Residents who live in mobile and manufactured homes also are being ordered to leave.
A message on Walt Disney World's website Wednesday said all of its theme parks and resorts are "currently operating under normal conditions" as officials continue to monitor the storm. They advised those who plan on visiting Disney to monitor news outlets for the latest weather information.
Officials at SeaWorld in Orlando announced on its website that officials "anticipate altered hours due to Hurricane Matthew."
From Broward County to the Space Coast — where a hurricane warning is in effect — officials already have closed schools for the rest of the week. Some school districts are sending students home early on Wednesday, and after school activities are canceled.
Most colleges and universities in the warning areas also have canceled classes starting Wednesday evening.
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