Flash Flood Warning Issued for a Disney World County

Hurricane Ian has hit Florida and caused major impacts in the Orlando area, among others.

©NOAA

Ahead of the storm, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld, as well as the airports in Orlando, all shut down. Grocery stores closed, people hunkered down in hotels, and a state of emergency was declared as a hurricane warning and tornado warnings were in effect. Now, as Hurricane Ian has moved across Florida, severe flooding is being seen around the Orlando area.

Right now, a Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Orange County, Florida, which is where the majority of Disney World is located, as well as Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and the Orlando International Airport, according to WESH. The Flash Flood Warning has also been issued for Lake, Seminole, and Volusia Counties and will last until 12:15PM. Heavy rain is producing the flash flooding, which is considered life threatening.

Here’s a look at the areas that are under the warning and some more details.

During a press conference from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, we found out more details about impacts from the storm. Right now, over 2 million customers are without power across the state of Florida. Rescue crews have also been deployed from 26 different states to help in the hardest hit areas.

There is major flooding in both Orange and Seminole Counties and floodwater will be rising throughout the day. This is considered a 500-year flood event — flood waters rose 4 feet in a matter of hours. Emergency crews are currently in 9 areas of widespread flooding in Central Florida and have been actively rescuing people all morning. 

“I want to emphasize that this storm still poses a major threat in Central Florida,” said Kevin Guthrie, Director of Florida Division of Emergency Management. Emergency crews are asking people to stay at home and do NOT try to go out and see the damage — first responders need the roads. Do not drive through any water. You don’t want to become stranded and have to be rescued as well.

Rescue crews from Osceola and Kissimmee were helping rescue people from their flooded homes.

All roads going to Orlando International Airport are CLOSED due to flooding from the storm.

Before 3AM Thursday, flooding was seen at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels.

For more on Hurricane Ian, take a look at our recent posts:

Stay tuned to DFB for more Hurricane Ian news and updates.

What Orlando and Disney World Looked Like Ahead of Hurricane Ian

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