What was once Hurricane Sandy is churning through the northeast with a rampage. The storm has caused damage all over, and has severely affected the operating seasons of many theme parks along the eastern coast. Many parks and Halloween events were cancelled due to the storm, and even more ended seasons early altogether. The storm continues to push through Pennsylvania. The economic impact is expected to be in the range of $100 billion dollars, and much of that could be from damage to the regions theme parks and amusements.
Over the weekend Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and Morey’s Piers all closed the parks early to make preparations for the storms, ending their seasons about a day early.
According to sources, Busch Gardens Williamsburg remains unscathed as the area felt heavy rains, and winds from the storm. Flooding was felt in other parts of the state, but the park remained largely unaffected. In New Jersey things news isn’t as good as parts of the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk washed away. Even a fifty foot stretch of the Funtown Pier washed away, leaving much of it exposed to the elements.
Photo courtesy of nj.com
Parks such as Knoebels, and HersheyPark that had damage last year due to Tropical Storm Lee are taking extra precautions last year.
In a statement officials at HersheyPark announced they would be suspending daily operations to ensure the safety of guests and employees:
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts is closely monitoring the path of Hurricane Sandy and is currently preparing for any potential issues that may arise. The welfare and safety of our guests, employees and animals is paramount. As part of the company’s severe weather response plan, we will update this page to inform the community and our employees of any changes to our hours of operation, schedule changes, facility updates and closures caused by the storm.
Last year the park faced severe flooding and had to euthanize two of their American Bison due to flash flooding in the animal habitats. The flooding occurred within minutes and gave park officials little time to rescue the animals, something the park is not risking this year.
*Update
While some areas were getting wind and rain, Fright Farm in Smithfield, PA got covered in snow.
Fright Farm will be open as scheduled Wednesday through Saturday.
Weds is music fest on the main stage and is also student night. All students $15 tickets.
Moreys Piers has posted tons of pictures on their Facebook page showing off storm damage.
Six Flags Great Adventure also reported on their storm damage on Facebook:
Relieved to report that we are doing fine. All rides and animals are ok and there was no flooding. The offices will be closed most likely to Thursday, so we appreciate your patience. Our thoughts are with all of those affected by the storm.
The park is reported some flooding, but no major damage.
Not all areas were so lucky. Casino Pier was almost completely destroyed, and one of the coasters submerged.
Picture courtesy of NBC New York
Stay tuned for more information as we closely watch Sandy and the path that the storm takes.
