Walt Disney World Under Tornado Watch as Hurricane Milton Nears

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

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Posted: Wednesday October 9, 2024 1:10pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

As Hurricane Milton continues to move toward Florida, bringing dangerous weather to central Florida, a Tornado Watch has been issued for the Walt Disney World Resort and surrounding areas.

The watch is in effect through 9:00 pm today (Wednesday, October 9, 2024), as the storm’s outer bands begin to affect the region.

Tornado Watch Details

A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes within the watch area. As Hurricane Milton approaches, its outer rainbands will bring increased wind shear and the potential for isolated tornadoes in the central Florida region, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando.

While a tornado watch does not guarantee that tornadoes will occur, it is a signal to be prepared and ready to act quickly if a Tornado Warning is issued. Guests are encouraged to stay informed via weather alerts, and local news channels for any immediate updates.

How to Stay Safe During a Tornado Watch

During a tornado watch, it is important to have a plan in place and be ready to seek shelter if needed. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

Know Your Shelter Locations: If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, follow Cast Member instructions. Resort hotels are designed with guest safety in mind and have protocols in place for severe weather. If you are in a theme park, Disney Cast Members will direct guests to safe locations.

Stay Indoors: Avoid being outside during the tornado watch. If possible, stay inside a sturdy building or your resort room. Avoid windows and find a secure, interior space if a tornado warning is issued.

Monitor Weather Updates: Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, such as through a smartphone, NOAA weather radio, or local news broadcasts. Tornado warnings can be issued quickly, so staying informed is critical.

Walt Disney World Park Closures

As a reminder, Walt Disney World has already announced early park closures today due to Hurricane Milton:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will close at 1 pm.

Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs will close at 2 pm.

Disney has also suspended Walt Disney World Transportation services once the parks and Disney Springs close for the day. Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels are advised to remain indoors as the storm’s impacts are expected to increase throughout the afternoon and evening.

Tornado Risk from Hurricane Milton

Tornadoes are a common threat during hurricanes, especially in the storm’s outer rainbands. These tornadoes can develop quickly and cause significant damage, particularly in areas already vulnerable to strong winds and flooding. The National Weather Service warns that the risk for tornadoes will remain elevated throughout the day as Hurricane Milton continues to approach central Florida.

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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