The National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida, updated the Tropical Storm Watch they had previously issued for Orange County to a Tropical Storm Warning. Orange County is home to both Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort.

Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Orange County

At 5:11 PM, the outlook was updated as follows:

“…TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT…

A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are
expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours

WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tropical storm force winds remain
  possible
  - Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 45 mph
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
  UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58
  to 73 mph
  - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
    previous assessment.
  - PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical
    storm force.
  - PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property
    should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for
    significant wind damage.
  - ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
  - 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.
FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
  - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 1-3 inches, with locally
    higher amounts
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
  UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for
  moderate flooding rain
  - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
    the previous assessment.
  - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
    moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues
    are possible.
  - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
    vulnerable to flooding.
  - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
    action may result in serious injury or loss of life.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
  - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations
    and rescues.
  - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with
    swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places,
    especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams,
    creeks, canals, and ditches overflow.
  - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken
    foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas
    of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and
    poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on
    moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow.
    Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge
    closures.
TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
  - Situation is favorable for tornadoes
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
  UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several
  tornadoes
  - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
    previous assessment.
  - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
    several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger
    damage paths.
  - PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are
    urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather
    arrives.
  - ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado
    warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
  - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the
    execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
  - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few
    spots of considerable damage, power loss, and
    communications failures.
  - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
    homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped
    or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed
    about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.”

Walt Disney World Issues Statement About Tropical Storm Idalia and Cancellation Policy

Walt Disney World has issued a statement regarding Tropical Storm Idalia and their cancellation policy.

“Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members. Guests may reschedule their trip or cancel their stay with us; any customary cancellation fees will be waived.”

Though currently only carrying a tropical storm warning at this time, Idalia is expected to become a Hurricane before making landfall in Florida.

Idalia is currently expected to make landfall in Florida around Wednesday morning, August 30.

Walt Disney World’s Hurricane Policy typically states that a Hurricane Warning must be issued for cancellation or change fees to be waived. However, they adjusted that policy earlier today before this tropical storm warning and are now allowing fees to be waived. We will provide updates if the resort plans any closures or other actions connected to the adverse weather conditions.

Is this tropical storm warning causing you to consider alternative arrangements for your Orlando trip? Let us know in the comments.

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