Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 155 mph, continues its path toward Florida, expected to bring life-threatening conditions to central Florida, including the Walt Disney World area.
The storm is forecasted to make landfall late Wednesday night along Florida's west coast and move across central Florida into Thursday morning. With multiple hazards, including damaging winds, flooding rain, and possible tornadoes, residents and visitors are urged to complete final preparations by the end of the day.
Current Watches and Warnings
A hurricane warning remains in effect for Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake counties, including the Walt Disney World Resort area. This warning indicates that hurricane-force winds are expected within the next 36 hours.
Expected Impacts on Walt Disney World
While Walt Disney World Resort remains open at the time of this report, the storm's expected path could lead to damaging winds and heavy rainfall in the area starting Wednesday afternoon. Outer rainbands are projected to bring tropical storm-force winds, followed by hurricane-force gusts as the storm crosses the region on Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Walt Disney World has announced closures at some of its resorts in preparation for the storm. The following closures will take effect at 11 am on Wednesday, October 9:
- Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Copper Creek Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
- Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
These locations are particularly vulnerable due to their unique outdoor environments. Fort Wilderness and the Treehouse Villas are expected to remain closed until Sunday, October 13, while the Copper Creek Cabins are projected to reopen by Friday, October 11. Disney has yet to announce any theme park closures, but that is expected to change with announcements coming later today.
Airport Closures and Travel Disruptions
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has confirmed that it will cease all commercial operations starting at 8 am on Wednesday, October 9, in anticipation of Hurricane Milton's arrival. The airport will remain open for emergency flights and relief operations, but no regular passenger flights will operate. A post-storm damage assessment will be conducted before the airport resumes normal operations.
In addition to MCO, Tampa International Airport (TPA) closed on Tuesday morning, suspending all commercial and cargo operations. TPA will also remain open only for emergency services until after the storm passes.
Travelers with plans to fly to or from central Florida should contact their airlines for flight updates and alternative travel arrangements, as significant cancellations and delays are expected over the coming days.
Impacts of Hurricane Milton: What to Expect
Wind: Sustained hurricane-force winds are expected along the storm's path, with gusts potentially reaching up to 155 mph. These winds will lead to widespread power outages, downed trees, and structural damage. Residents and visitors are urged to be in safe shelter before hazardous conditions arrive on Wednesday.
Rainfall and Flooding: Forecast rainfall totals are between 4 to 8 inches, with localized amounts reaching 10 to 15 inches north of the Kissimmee to Melbourne line.
Tornadoes: The storm's outer rainbands may spawn tornadoes, with the highest risk from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning. Residents should have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts.
Preparing for Hurricane Milton
Today is the last full day to complete hurricane preparations. Residents and visitors in central Florida should ensure their hurricane supply kits are stocked, and that they have secured outdoor items and reinforced windows and doors.
Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox