Floridians desperate to leave ahead of Hurricane Milton arrival face fuel shortages, heavy traffic

Highways out of Florida were jammed with frightened motorists desperately trying to get themselves out of harm’s way, and supermarkets and gas stations around the state experienced long lines as a crush of panic-stricken shoppers stocked up on food and fuel.More than 1,000 Florida gas stations ran out of gas by Tuesday evening — including 45% of stations in the Tampa area.Many people planning to fly out of the Sunshine State were forced to make other plans as airport closures in western and central Florida canceled hundreds of flights.Tampa International Airport is currently closed, and St.Pete-Clearwater International Airport will shut down Wednesday and Thursday, as will Southwest Florida International Airport.

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport closed Tuesday afternoon, and Orlando International Airport, located near the middle of the state, will close Wednesday.Disney announced its theme parks will begin a phased closing plan starting Wednesday afternoon.Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom will close at 1 p.m., while Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney Springs will shutter at 2 p.m.Portions of Universal Orlando Resort will also be closed ahead of Milton’s arrival.

Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk will be open until 2 p.m.Wednesday, but will close through Thursday.

Universal Volcano Bay will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, the theme park giant announced....