Walt Disney World Storm Update: Tropical Storm Helene to Bring Strong Winds and Flooding

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

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Hurricane Helene

Posted: Wednesday September 25, 2024 7:24am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

As of 5:18 AM EDT on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the National Weather Service in Melbourne has confirmed that Tropical Storm Helene is rapidly organizing as it moves northward, expected to strengthen into a hurricane by later today.

A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for most Central Florida counties, including Orange and Osceola, which encompass the Walt Disney World Resort area.

September 25 - 4am

Tropical Storm Helene, located just east of Cozumel, is moving northwest at 9 mph with sustained winds of 65 mph. The storm is expected to intensify into a major hurricane as it enters the Gulf of Mexico and accelerates toward the Florida Panhandle or Big Bend region. Central Florida will begin experiencing outer rain bands later today, with more frequent rounds of rainfall tonight into Thursday.

Tropical Storm Helene is forecast to bring widespread impacts far from its center, meaning even though the storm will make landfall farther north, Central Florida will still experience dangerous weather conditions.

Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected across the region, with some areas potentially receiving up to 6 inches of rain. The repeated rain bands are likely to cause flooding in low-lying and urban areas. Roadways may become hazardous due to ponding water, and localized flash flooding is possible.

Winds of 39-60 mph are forecast for the Walt Disney World area and surrounding counties starting Thursday, with the strongest gusts expected in areas northwest of I-4, along the coast, and near Lake Okeechobee.

In addition to strong winds, the National Weather Service warns of the potential for isolated tornadoes, particularly late Wednesday night into Thursday.

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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Lilofan10 minutes ago

A Cat 3 125mph 15 ft storm surge is life threatening and hopefully all residents and tourists heeded the orders to mandatory evac in the (3) coastal countries expected to take the direct hit.

IanDLBZF13 minutes ago

Busch Gardens Tampa will be closed on Thursday.

LSLS16 minutes ago

Yeah, I remember some models having it drop to like 888 and even the experts questioned if there was something wrong with the model, just because it'd have to drop so much so fast. Think everyone is hoping it's wrong.

SplashJacket35 minutes ago

FSU was already washed, this won’t change anything

Gringrinngghost45 minutes ago

Touchdown1 hour ago

That means a larger storm surge and more wind damage but less flooding.

cr33461 hour ago

The good news for Florida is this looks like a quick mover, Tennessee, not so much

Ayla1 hour ago

They are expecting hurricane force winds up into Georgia due to the projected speed of the storm. Tallahassee won't be spared.

Ayla1 hour ago

You have much more faith in humanity than I do.

JohnD1 hour ago

"Fun" fact about Florida. There is no area more than 90 miles from the coast. As for Tallahassee: How far is Tallahassee from the Gulf? 22 miles Tallahassee is located just 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, which is home to some of the world's top beaches. With more than 1,600 miles of coastline and beautiful, sugar-white sand, there are plenty of options for residents looking for beaches near Tallahassee, including the #1 beach in America for 2023!