The now category four storm Ian struck western Cuba late on Tuesday, bringing 120mph winds, and is currently skirting the coast of Florida, with the centre of the storm expected over central Florida by Wednesday evening according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The NHC has warned wind speeds could top a "catastrophic" 140mph, with the storm on course to hit the Tampa Bay area of the state bringing massive storm surges. It is likely to be the region’s first direct hit from a major hurricane since 1921.

Here’s everything you need to know about the storm’s likely impact over Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (28-30 September).

Theme parks

Earlier this week, Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort said they were "closely monitoring" Ian’s progress. Both have now confirmed they will be closed for the duration of the storm’s impact.

Walt Disney World, its theme parks and resorts, will close on Wednesday 28 September and Thursday 29 September. This includes Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, among others.

Universal Orlando Resort, meanwhile, said it would also close on Wednesday and Thursday, reopening on Friday "as conditions permit". CityWalk is also closed, and its next two Halloween Horror Nights have also been cancelled.

Cruise

Royal Caribbean has altered the embarkation time for Mariner of the Seas’ planned departure from Port Canaveral on Thursday. Boarding will now begin on Friday due to the port’s planned closure on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The vessel is still set to sail to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, but the line warned the situation "remains fluid" owing to the weather conditions, which it will continue to monitor.

Royal has, though, confirmed Independence of the Seas’ sailing from Port Canaveral on Friday (30 September) will go ahead as planned. If this changes, the line will provide further updates no later than 8pm on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled Carnival Paradise’s planned sailing from Tampa on Thursday due to the port’s closure. The line has also cancelled Carnival Elation’s voyage from Jacksonville on Thursday after the port closed due to Hurricane Ian. The port plans to reopen on Saturday (1 October).

Impacted guests will receive a full refund and a 25% future cruise credit. Carnival is also monitoring Port Canaveral and Charleston, which could be hit by the storm in the coming days.

A spokesperson said: "Our fleet operations centre in Miami continues to monitor Hurricane Ian. The safety of our guests and crew is our number-one priority and our ships will always maintain a safe distance from the storm at all times."

Last week, Virgin Voyages made changes to its Mayan Sol sailing due to tropical disturbances in Costa Maya.

Aviation

With Orlando International and Melbourne Orlando airports closed, Virgin Atlantic and Tui have already had to make several alterations to their schedules – including cancellations.

Late on Tuesday, Tui said flights TOM852 (Bristol to Melbourne Orlando) and TOM122 (Manchester to Melbourne Orlando) have been postponed, adding it planned to operate these once the airport reopens.

"We will be updating customers as soon as we receive any further information," said Tui. "We are in the process of contacting customers due to fly tomorrow [Wednesday] to let them know their options."

The airline and operator said it was working to source overnight accommodation for customers due to return from Melbourne Orlando on Wednesday on flights TOM123 to Bristol and TOM853 to Manchester.

Virgin Atlantic said the hurricane would impact its flying schedule to and from London, Manchester and Edinburgh to and from Orlando owing to the closure of Orlando International airport.

On Wednesday, Virgin cancelled: VS91 (Heathrow-Orlando); VS92 (Orlando-Heathrow); VS135 (Heathrow-Orlando); V136 (Orlando-Heathrow); VS75 (Manchester-Orlando); VS76 (Orlando-Manchester); VS225 (Edinburgh-Orlando); and VS226 (Orlando-Edinburgh).

And on Thursday, it has cancelled: VS91 (Heathrow-Orlando); VS92 (Orlando-Heathrow); VS135 (Heathrow-Orlando); VS136 (Orlando-Heathrow); VS73 (Manchester-Orlando); VS74 (Orlando-Manchester); VS75 (Manchester-Orlando); and VS76 (Orlando-Manchester).