Tropical Storm Warning Issued By National Weather Service for Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort

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.

Cinderella Castle Hogwarts MK IOA stock

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 1 pm

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.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

The post Tropical Storm Warning Issued By National Weather Service for Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort appeared first on WDW News Today.