Disney Releases Statement on Tropical Storm Helene as Warning Is Issued for Central Florida

4 hours ago in "Severe Weather impacts to Walt Disney World"

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Posted: Tuesday September 24, 2024 6:21pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney World Resort has released its first statement regarding Tropical Storm Helene, which has triggered a Tropical Storm Warning for Orange and Osceola counties.

The storm is expected to bring hazardous conditions to the region, including the greater Orlando area, where Disney World is located. The resort is currently operating under normal conditions but remains vigilant as the storm strengthens and moves closer.

In its brief statement this evening, Disney said:

Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members.

September 24 - 5pm

Disney's theme park neighbor, Universal said:

At this time, our park operations and hours are continuing as normal. We are closely monitoring the weather. Please check back for updates.

National Weather Service Upgrades Advisory to Warning

As of 5:28 pm EDT on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Melbourne, FL, upgraded the previous advisory to a Tropical Storm Warning for several counties, including Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake counties. This warning indicates that tropical storm-force winds are expected within the next 36 hours, with wind gusts up to 60 mph, heavy rainfall, and the potential for isolated tornadoes in the affected areas.

Tropical Storm Helene is currently located about 650 miles south-southwest of Leesburg, Florida, with sustained winds of 50 mph, and is moving west-northwest at 12 mph. Helene is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by early Wednesday and continue intensifying as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico, potentially becoming a major hurricane before making landfall near Florida's Big Bend later this week.

Impacts on Walt Disney World and Central Florida

For the Walt Disney World area, tropical storm conditions are expected to arrive as early as Thursday, with wind gusts up to 60 mph and 1 to 4 inches of rain across the region. Some areas could see up to 6 inches of rain, leading to flooding in low-lying or poorly drained areas. Disney is monitoring the storm's progress closely, and guests should prepare for potential operational changes, including the cancellation of outdoor events and possible temporary closures of attractions.

In addition to strong winds and heavy rain, the NWS has warned of the possibility of isolated tornadoes embedded within the rain bands starting Wednesday night.

Disney World Preparations and Safety Tips

Walt Disney World has not yet announced any changes to its operations for the upcoming days, but it has a comprehensive hurricane protocol in place. Safety measures may include canceling outdoor shows, parades, and fireworks if high winds are expected.

Guide to Walt Disney World's Policy on Hurricane Cancellations and Refunds

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Captain Barbossa17 minutes ago

11pm (eastern) update:

Gringrinngghost1 hour ago

lazyboy97o1 hour ago

“Direct hurricane hit” isn’t a singular defined thing. The focus with buildings is typically winds but hurricane force winds is a big, open ended range. With regards to Walt Disney World, the ultimate wind loads are often overstated.

Eric Graham1 hour ago

Isn't the castle fortified to withstand a direct hurricane hit?

IanDLBZF3 hours ago

MCO is not a shelter, and the terminals will close during a storm FYI.

DisneyFanatic124 hours ago

“*Urgent UCF Alert* Due to Tropical Storm Helene, UCF will suspend campus operations and all classes Thursday, Sept. 26. More information at ucf.edu/hurricane”

Lilofan4 hours ago

On a non weather related early morning we walked through MCO Main Terminal at 3am to get to the TSA checkpoint. There were hundreds of passengers sleeping on the many couches chairs and carpeted floors . With MCO probably impacted by Helene I'd expect more than hundreds to be hunkered down in the Main Terminal.

Vacationeer4 hours ago

Here’s the Clearwater Beach live cam https://www.myclearwater.com/Visit-the-Beach/Watch-Live-Video-of-Clearwater-Beach Their advisory so far… Tropical Storm Helene Updates City offices, libraries and recreation centers will be open Wednesday, Sept. 25 and closed Thursday, Sept. 26.

IanDLBZF4 hours ago

From MCO:

Lilofan4 hours ago

A long day in the convention center, that night in the ballrooms then returned to our room the next afternoon. We were given papers that described limited resort services , during the storm and post storm. FL was lucky with Floyd. Weather guys forecasted it to be more destructive than Andrew that wiped out Homestead and Florida City in 92'.

danlb_20004 hours ago

Orange County schools will be closed Thursday.

IanDLBZF4 hours ago

Update from Universal Last Updated: September 24, 2024 at 5:35 PM At this time, our park operations and hours are continuing as normal. We are closely monitoring the weather. Please check back for updates.

plutofan155 hours ago

No showers? How long were you there?

Gringrinngghost5 hours ago

Hurricane Hunters update. Mission 6 is starting synoptic surveillance south of Cortes, Cuba after completing a grid from Tampa to New Orleans down to Cancun where 19 Dropsondes were sent. Mission 7 is starting its first pass into Helene. Mission 8 is heading to Helene.