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

Sep 24, 2024 in "Severe Weather impacts to Walt Disney World"

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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The MomOct 05, 2024

Helene is no longer a WDW threat, so this thread will be moved to Chit Chat where the discussion can continue.

John park hopperOct 05, 2024

Looks like that disturbance in the Gulf will develop into something over the next week and is heading east. I know it is early but the spaghetti models have it going right over south Florida. Anyone headed to the Bubble in the next week should keep an eye on it. Kirk and Leslie in the Atlantic don't appear to be a threat to the East Coast

cranbizOct 04, 2024

Absolutely! There are many worthwhile organizations will use Helene disaster donations well. I just touched on a few of them. People just need to stay away from the huge national organizations (cough, cough Red Cross/United Way) as funding received almost always goes to overhead and not to the victims. A couple of years ago, we had severe coastal flooding and wind damage in the New Bern area. The Red Cross came into town, held a big press conference and then left, never to be heard from again.

Vegas Disney FanOct 04, 2024

This is also why I chuckle when I read comments asking “why didn’t they evacuate”though, in most these forecasts the projected path is hundreds of miles wide, it’s unrealistic to evacuate the entire area. You look at the forecast and make a calculated guess at your risk. It makes sense for the people in high risk areas (along the coast, flood zones, etc) to evacuate but for those that are in low risk areas you just don’t expect complete devastation like this. I was watching the news the other day and one of the people interviewed mentioned that many of the areas hit hardest by Helene are areas people often evacuate to because they are considered safe, unfortunately nowhere is immune to Mother Natures wrath.

JoeCamelOct 04, 2024

Can I add to your list that World Central Kitchen is serving in the area as well, Chef Jose is selfless in his desire and ability to feed people that need to be fed

cranbizOct 04, 2024

My area got heavy rain, winds and a tornado or 2. Fortunately there was only minor flooding but lots of trees down. I'm a Volunteer Fire Fighter for Wentworth, NC in Rockingham County. Compared for Western NC, we got nothing and we were busy for close to 24 hours for storm related emergencies. Our county has been running equipment, pet and livestock feed and emergency supplies out to Boone, Marion and other areas. One just can't comprehend the devastation out there. The biggest issue was the fact the area has been getting heavy rain for several weeks prior to Helene and the ground was so saturated there was no place for the water to go. There are towns that got wiped off the map. Monetary donations are best sent to an organization like Samaritan's Purse, Mercy Chefs, Local County Gov., WNC Regional Livestock Center or many of the church organizations. The Red Cross and the United Way are jokes and money sent to them will most likely end up in places other than Western NC.

LilofanOct 03, 2024

The worrisome storm I hope the forecasters are wrong is next week going across FL again. Hopefully it will just be a rain event but the friends I know who lost their homes in the Tampa area due to floods don't need anymore. Wait and see and pray.

JoeCamelOct 02, 2024

There is nothing bad to say about Asheville it was a wonderful place to visit and probably to live as so many did. Sounds like your Uncle is being cared for and conditions are easing quickly in the population centers, the nooks and hollars will take much longer. Help is pouring into the area so the work has started to recover from the hit they took Sad that many have chosen to inject politics into a natural disaster playing who can I blame rather than asking "WHO CAN I HELP"

mf1972Oct 02, 2024

i have an uncle who lives in asheville. he retired there 16-18 years ago i believe. he’s now in a assisted living facility. my sister is his POA & what i read the facility, staff, & their residents are doing fine. they’re doing ok with food, water, etc. they did lose phones, power, etc but have generators. they haven’t listed anything yet as far as making any donations. i already donated to red cross & a food service/shelter through amazon. i’ve never had the chance to visit asheville myself. my dad has, & both he & my uncle had nothing bad to say about it.

AylaOct 02, 2024

The previous invest is now tropical depression 13.

AylaOct 02, 2024

John park hopperOct 02, 2024

Both storms in the Atlantic according to the NHC will track north in the mid Atlantic --nothing so far off the Yucatan. Month of October hurricane tapper off.