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Passengers return from Florida ahead of Hurricane Ian

Passengers were faced with delays and cancellations as Tampa and surrounding areas brace for impact.

HARTFORD, Conn. — As Hurricane Ian nears Florida, families returned to Bradley International Airport Tuesday night on some of the last flights back. Orlando International Airport will stop operations Wednesday morning and Tampa International Airport suspended flights as Ian approaches.

“I’m very happy to be home and safe,” said Lorri Twaddle from West Springfield. “We were in Disney. We were supposed to stay ‘til Friday and we decided, much to my chagrin, but my smart husband said we’ve gotta get on a flight tonight and get out of here.”

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Connecticut and Massachusetts passengers arrived at Bradley in Windsor Locks from Orlando, Florida Tuesday evening after vacations. Some had to cut their trips short to make it back before the hurricane hits.

Passengers were faced with delays and cancellations as Tampa and surrounding areas brace for impact.

One couple FOX61 spoke with was caught between two hurricanes as they vacationed in the Dominican Republic.

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“We dodged Hurricane Fiona going to DR. We went to DR for vacation for 5 days. Then we had to connect in Orlando to come back to Hartford so we just missed Hurricane Ian,” Delain Dunn said.

Some passengers FOX61 spoke with still have family in Florida.

“We do have family that’s in Bonita Springs. My sister left last night. Her husband is staying home tonight. I guess, he’s not leaving,” Twaddle said.

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“My sister and brother-in-law live in Fort Myers and they left there this morning for Fort Lauderdale. I guess they were told to evacuate. They packed all their pets and left. Hopefully, it’ll be okay,” said Clement St. Pierre from Bristol.

As Florida monitors the hurricane, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando are temporarily closing their theme parks on Wednesday and Thursday.

“I’m glad we left. I’m glad to get back and see my family and my animals and everything,” said Cooper Haynes from Spencer, Massachusetts.

Elisha Machado is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at emachado@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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