ORLANDO, Fla. — Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a Category 3 storm in the Big Bend, and for many Central Floridians, its aftermath has them worried about what’s in store for the rest of hurricane season.

As thousands set out on the roadways and in the air for Labor Day travel plans, several people shared that they’re getting away ahead of the season’s peak.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) announced special accommodations in preparation of large holiday travel crowds. All parking facilities will be open and shuttle services will be running every 10 to 15 minutes to help with the access traffic.

One traveler heading to Chicago for the holiday said that he was looking forward to getting out of town for a few days.

“It’s just the opportunity to kind of get away from the hustle and bustle, let my hair down for a couple of days, relax, of course family time,” said Dorian Williams. “And of course, good food and things like that. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”

Williams is originally from Chicago but he now calls Orlando his home. With so much going on in the city he said he can understand why so many people flock to Florida for the holidays.

“From the theme parks to international drive, to different types of food to the weather. I mean you really can’t beat it,” said Williams.

Despite the additional traffic expected at MCO, Williams said believes he picked a great time to travel, specifically with the passing of Hurricane Idalia, and the peak of hurricane season at the top of mind.

Williams said like most of Central Florida, he and his family did not experience any damage from hurricane Idalia, which made landfall as a category 3 hurricane in the big bend area. He said had things been any different however, he probably wouldn’t be traveling for the holiday.

“Fortunately for us and I think many of Central Floridians, this time, we didn’t have to deal with a lot of weather,” Williams said.

Another resident getting away for the weekend shared that she also felt lucky to have been spared by Idalia, which is why she felt comfortable moving forward with her holiday plans.

“It was a lot of hard rain, but no damage thankfully,” said Juanita Vinson.

Vinson said last year during hurricane Ian she experienced a lot of damage, impacts that she’s still dealing with.

“I actually had my whole garage cave in. I’m still dealing with the insurance company from all of that damage,” said Vinson. “Fences down, pool damage, all kinds of damage to my house,” she said.

Vinson said though she is still dealing with storm damage, she’s happy to not have experienced any impacts from Idalia and looking forward to traveling ahead of peak season.