Chaos strikes at one of Southern California’s most beloved theme parks as Hurricane Hilary leaves a trail of destruction and forces extended closures. Thrill-seekers are on the edge of their seats, wondering when the park will reopen – and if their favorite rides will ever be the same again.
Valencia, CA – Six Flags Magic Mountain shocked patrons this week when it announced that the park would remain closed for a second consecutive day due to the impacts of Hurricane Hilary. The category 4 storm wreaked havoc as it made landfall on Sunday, forcing the park to shut its gates and leaving the fate of some rides uncertain.
Park officials stated that Six Flags Magic Mountain will remain closed through Monday as crews work to assess the damage and clean up extensive debris throughout the park. The closure coincides with the park’s regular weekly operating schedule, meaning it will not reopen until Thursday at the earliest.
Sunday’s closure marked an extremely rare occurrence of a major Southern California theme park shutting down entirely for weather-related reasons. Several other parks also took preventative measures on Sunday, with Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm closing early and Legoland California keeping its gates shut all day.
However, Magic Mountain bore the brunt of the hurricane’s damaging winds and rain. Photos reveal extensive flooding, fallen trees, and queue lines tangled with branches. Park officials have not commented on potential damage to rides and other infrastructure. But concerned coaster enthusiasts warn that the park’s record-breaking roller coasters may never be the same following the storm’s carnage.
In the meantime, visitors who had tickets for the park’s canceled days can use them any other operating day through the end of 2023. The park is expected to share more updates once the initial cleanup process concludes later this week. But for now, thrill-seekers will have to wait anxiously with bated breath, hoping their favorite coasters emerge unscathed.
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