Traveling to Disney World during Hurricane season can bring its own set of complications, and with Hurricane Ian set to potentially impact Florida, you’ll need to be prepared.

We’ve been watching for updates on the storm for the past several days and now we have some important news you need to know about if you’re heading to the Most Magical Place on Earth this week.

According to the National Weather Service — Melbourne — as of the 11AM update, tropical storm watches have been issued for parts of central Florida. That includes both counties within which Disney World is located — Orange County, FL, and Osceola County, FL.

The National Weather Service notes that concerns about river flooding are increasing. They share that “Residents should aim to complete preparations by Tuesday night.”

Hurricane Ian is expected to be a major hurricane as it approaches Florida this week. It is expected to bring heavy rainfall (which is what leads to those flooding concerns), and there is a potential for (near) sustained tropical storm force winds for areas north of I-4.

The earliest arrival of tropical storm force winds is expected to be Tuesday night, and there is an increasing chance for tornados beginning Tuesday night.

The Weather Service has said that the situation is somewhat favorable for tornados, so individuals should plan accordingly by setting up their emergency plans, knowing where to go if their shelter is vulnerable to tornados, and being ready to act quickly if needed.

The weather service points out that this Tropical Storm Watch issuance means that tropical-storm-force winds are possible within the next 48 hours. What impacts could this bring to those in the area? The Weather Service lists these specific potential impacts:

• Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles.
• Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over.
• Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable.
• Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines.

They note that you should prepare for dangerous wind and take steps to protect against wind damage. The peak rainfall amounts according to the latest forecast could be an additional 4-8 inches with some higher amounts locally.

Here’s a look at the NOAA 11AM advisory, showing the probable path of the storm center.

We will continue to watch for updates. For more information ahead of your trip, please see our links below:

• With Hurricane Ian approaching, Disney World hotels are showing no available rooms this week
• 5 things Disney is doing right now to prepare for the hurricane
• What to do if you’re going to Disney World during Hurricane Ian
• The latest news and updates on Hurricane Ian

The most important thing to do right now is to take a look at the forecast, determine if you’re prepared for the storm, and discuss your storm plan with your family. We’ll keep sharing the latest updates with you.

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Are you heading to Disney World? Tell us your hurricane questions in the comments below.

The post Tropical Storm Watch Now in Effect for Disney World Counties first appeared on the disney food blog.