Chilling images show how Universal Studios is preparing for Orlando hurricane

If you have ever wondered what Universal Studios might look like if someone looted the place, taking a glance at its hurricane prep might give you a good idea.

The sprawling theme park in Orlando, Florida, currently looks like a shell of its usual spectacular self.

All hands have been on deck to make sure it's as protected as possible in anticipation of Hurricane Milton making landfall.

It's been dubbed the storm of the century and anyone in its path has been urged to evacuate, with the National Hurricane Center warning it will be 'one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida'.

If that isn't enough to encourage you to get your a** out of there, I don't know what is.

The intensity of it has been varying over the last few days, and as of Wednesday morning, Milton had weakened to a Category 4 hurricane - but experts said it is continuing to swell in size, while winds are set to pick up drastically soon.

Millions of Floridians have been frantically preparing for the hurricane to make landfall, which is forecasted to occur in the city of Sarasota at some point this evening (9 October) or on Thursday morning.

As well as the Sunshine state being home to many Americans, it is a hub of tourism in the US - meaning a load of holidaymakers who have flocked there to enjoy all of its attractions have wound up stuck there too.

One of these is 'scared' Brit Kathryn Bateman, who has been updating social media users on the 'absolutely manic' situation she is currently dealing with across the pond.

Loads of people have headed to Orlando to enjoy the likes of Universal Studios and Disney World over the spooky season - but unfortunately for them, Milton has tanked their theme park plans.

These resorts are among those who have announced they are closing their doors as the hurricane is set to wreak havoc, with Universal announcing they were shutting the park from 2pm this afternoon.

It will be completely closed tomorrow (10 October), meaning the popular Halloween Horror Nights have also been kiboshed this week, while staff have been busily battening down the hatches all day.

An Orlando-based content creator called Annie Magic (@fastpass_shopping) shared footage online of what the skeleton of Universal Studios now looks like after being stripped of all of its props, decorations, and magic.

The travel and theme park enthusiast posted a clip to both TikTok and Instagram showing how the resort was getting ready for Hurricane Milton yesterday morning.

In the caption, she explained: "Halloween Horror Nights food booths and bars have been removed along with many scare zone props. Things are being tied up or tied down all over the parks."

In the video, Annie films her surroundings as she navigates the vast park while pointing out that banners and neon signs are no longer on display, and merchandise stalls have been covered in plastic wrap to protect them.

Props and some sections of sets in both the Scare Zone and at the Tribute Store have been taken down, and food booths and bars are 'gone', according to Annie.

She explained that pretty much everything has been 'tied up or tied down' by Universal staff, while signs are on display which sport the message: "Please pardon our dust as we prepare for adverse weather."

Still using their manners even in the face of Hurricane Milton, eh.

Social media users were left stunned by the footage from inside Universal Orlando, with the majority of people taking to the comment section to discuss the 'sad' state of affairs currently unfolding in Florida.

One said: "It's nuts how fast this can all come down. Major props to the teams that have to remove/replace all the props in such a short amount of time."

Another wrote: "Just so sad to see."

A third added: "Props to the crew for preparing so quickly! I can’t even imagine the hard work it took to take everything down."

While a fourth wrote: "Thank you for this! Always interests me exactly what they do for these huge storms. Saw a few pics but this is perfect!"

Universal Studios said it 'anticipates a full reopening of our destination, including Halloween Horror Nights' on Friday (11 October) with its usual operating hours, but did warn this all rides on the 'outcome of storm impacts'.

Customers are able to make 'modifications to their existing hotel reservations and/or vacation packages' if they were intending to visit when the parks will be closed.