According to ACCUWeather, if the storm makes landfall in Florida, isolated tornadoes could be spawned north and east of Irma’s center, threatening to bring further damage to some communities. Coastal areas would be inundated with storm surge.
Out of an abundance of caution and concern for the safety of our team members, Stahls’ and Transfer Express will not be exhibiting at the Imprinted Sportswear Show in Orlando this week. If all the radar readings are correct and we have no reason to doubt them, Hurricane Irma, now a category 5 storm, will bear down on Florida in a matter of days. At this time, the show organizers have not cancelled the show but have shortened the show hours, with the show ending at 5pm on Friday. This most recently from the ISS website:
WEATHER UPDATE:
ISS Orlando is planning to open and close with a revised schedule. We are continuing to monitor the storm closely and will keep you updated on any changes that are made.While the current weather forecast in Orlando is acceptable, the weather this weekend could decline depending on the path of Hurricane Irma.
As a result, ISS Orlando will open as planned on Thursday, September 7, 2017 and close at 5pm on Friday, September 8, 2017. ISS Orlando Workshops will still occur at the Orange County Convention Center as planned on Wednesday, September 6 from 9am-5pm.
To view an ISS show in action, please click here!
ISS Orlando 2017
Workshops: September 6, 2017
Expo and Conference: September 7-8, 2017Show Floor Hours:
Thursday, September 7 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday, September 8 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
All Stahls’ representatives that have already arrived in Orlando are returning later today. All remaining ticketed team members have been cancelled. Mark Schwarb, our Sales Representative at Stahls’ Showroom in Daytona, Florida, has reported the following: “By Thursday no one will be thinking about a trade show, traffic to even get to a show will be bonkers with people leaving (the area) in droves. Wind will start rising by Thursday night and you can bet Friday will be full-on last minute storm prep for almost any Florida resident and especially anyone from Orlando south.”
We are keeping all our customers, friends and family members in affected areas in our thoughts and prayers. Before the storm hits, batten down the hatches and get those sandbags filled. Prepare for possible evacuation and the reality that you may be without power for several days. Many counties are offering sandbags and sand to residents and businesses. Above all, please evacuate when instructed to do so. Homes, businesses and material items can be replaced. Stay safe everyone.