Flash Flood Warning Issued for Walt Disney World Area as Heavy Rainfall Continues from Hurricane Milton

Oct 09, 2024 in "Severe Weather impacts to Walt Disney World"

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Posted: Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Melbourne, FL has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Orange County, which includes the Walt Disney World Resort and surrounding areas, effective from 3:57 PM EDT until 7:00 PM EDT today, October 9, 2024.

This warning comes as intense thunderstorms continue to drop significant rainfall across central Florida, with the potential for flash flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.

Flash Flood Warning Details

Affected Counties: Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Indian River, Seminole, and Volusia counties.

Rainfall Totals: Between 2 to 4 inches of rain have already fallen in the area, and additional rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is expected.

Flash Flood Risk: Areas at risk include small creeks, urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses, and other low-lying areas.

Locations that are particularly vulnerable to flash flooding include Bay Lake (home to Walt Disney World), Kissimmee, Orlando, Winter Park, and surrounding regions.

Hazard and Impact

According to the NWS, the flash flooding is being caused by slow-moving thunderstorms that are producing torrential rain. Radar and automated gauges indicate that water levels in creeks and urban areas have begun to rise quickly. Low-lying areas within the Walt Disney World Resort, including parking lots, roads, and other locations prone to poor drainage, are at risk for flooding.

Flash Flood Impact

Flooding of streets and underpasses is expected.
Small streams and creeks may overflow, causing dangerous conditions in localized areas.
Urban areas and highways are likely to experience standing water, making driving hazardous.

Safety Measures for Guests at Walt Disney World

Guests at Walt Disney World and nearby locations should remain indoors during the flash flood warning and avoid attempting to travel on roads that may be flooded. The NWS advises, “Turn around, don’t drown”—most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles when drivers attempt to navigate through flooded roads.

Additional Measures

Walt Disney World Resort has already taken precautionary measures in response to Hurricane Milton, which is expected to further impact the area. As of earlier today, the theme parks and Disney Springs were closed in preparation for the incoming storm, and resort guests are being advised to shelter in place as conditions deteriorate.

Disney’s transportation services have also been suspended, with limited options for Minnie Van and Mears taxi services still available for guests staying at the resort hotels.

Stay Safe and Informed

Residents and visitors in the affected areas, including those at Walt Disney World, are advised to stay indoors, avoid traveling through flooded areas, and monitor weather alerts via their smartphones or local news stations.

As Hurricane Milton continues to approach, the flash flood risk is expected to remain high, and additional severe weather may occur overnight and into tomorrow.

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LilofanOct 19, 2024

Once Oscar crosses Cuba on Mon/Tue forecasters will be seeing if Oscar makes a northern turn up the Gulf, wait and see.

VacationeerOct 19, 2024

What’s up with this Oscar Hurricane. Little chance of making a Florida run?

donaldtooOct 18, 2024

I, personally, am not keeping a scorecard on who or who hasn’t donated what…that’s their business, not mine, and yet another thing I’m not losing sleep over. It’s just that millions upon millions of dollars to me is unfathomable. I have no more words… :cyclops:

LilofanOct 17, 2024

Even if TWDC donated millions more a few will still critic it wasn't enough or why execs don't personally donate. Disney isn't the only company meeting this feedback.

plutofan15Oct 17, 2024

I am well aware of what you were referring to. I am not defending or criticizing the man. A person has the right to do whatever he or she wants to do with their money. If making it public makes you feel better, that's on you not the individual. For the record, I do not agree with more decisions the company has made recently than I agree with. For whatever that is worth.

Figgy1Oct 17, 2024

With how upset the latest cash grabs have made people, maybe he should and I was talking about how 2 individuals have equaled or exceeded the corporate donation

plutofan15Oct 17, 2024

And yet nobody knows whether Iger has donated or has not donated. Not everybody makes their charitable donations public. Just saying.

LilofanOct 17, 2024

It won't change the haters that still hate Bob...

Figgy1Oct 17, 2024

Dolly Parton 3 million, Taylor Swift 5 million. Just saying

donaldtooOct 17, 2024

His net worth is estimated at over $700 million, so maybe he could chip in a few million more…? I’m not one of those that hate rich people, and, ultimately, it’s none of my business what they do with their money, but $700 million and you can’t donate a few million here and there from time to time…?! It’s not like he’s a spring chicken, and, as they say, you can’t take it with you…!!!!! :hilarious:;):hilarious:

John park hopperOct 17, 2024

It's great Disney is donating 3 million it would be even better if Bob donated 3 million of his 31.6 million salary

DCBakerOct 16, 2024

In a new email, Disney says it's investing $3 million that will be used to assist cast members, the local community and nonprofits aiding in recovery efforts after Hurricane Milton. Here's the email: Florida friends and neighbors, With Hurricane Milton now behind us, we hope that you all made it through the storm safely. We know it was a very challenging event and realize that many of our fellow Floridians are facing difficult circumstances as a result. It’s touching to see so many residents, local businesses and nonprofits stepping up to provide relief to those who need it. We’re especially thankful to our cast members who helped keep our guests and each other safe during the storm and continue to support our community. Like all of you, we are dedicated to helping Florida move forward. Disney is investing $3 million that will be used to assist cast members, the local community and nonprofits aiding in recovery efforts. This is in addition to the thousands of meals delivered to Second Harvest Food Bank and Osceola Council on Aging, as well as donations we made ahead of hurricane season to help Florida nonprofits stock up with supplies that could be used in storm shelters like blankets, sheets, pillows and hygiene products. The Disney Employee Relief Fund has also been activated to assist any Disney employee whose primary home was impacted by the storm, and we’re providing other personalized assistance for cast, including repair services, mental health resources, backup adult and child care, and food, water and ice distribution. As Florida continues to recover, we remain by the side of our extended Disney family and communities across the state. Thank you to all those who have stepped up before, during and after the storm to keep the people and places around us safe. We are proud to serve alongside you.

MisterPenguinOct 15, 2024

Watch out, Disneyland Paris!

jmuboyOct 15, 2024

I noticed this as well. I assume having landscape teams get into the enclosures to clean up and address replanting is a lot more challenging in this attraction for obvious reasons. I would assume the debris will slowly be removed. Also noticed a good amount of bamboo patches in the attraction were impacted which is easy to cut back and let regrow (which it regrows quickly and easily) Some degree of natural destruction and regrowth of vegetation gives this attraction its hyper realistic feel. As opposed to the manicured landscape you typically see at WDW