Warnings Issued as Hurricane Dorian Now A Category 5 Storm, Central Florida Back In Cone of Uncertainty

Jessica Figueroa

Warnings Issued as Hurricane Dorian Now A Category 5 Storm, Central Florida Back In Cone of Uncertainty

And here I thought I was indecisive. In the latest updates for Hurricane Dorian, it appears the storm has now strengthened––as forecast–– to a major Category 5 hurricane. Hurricane Watches and Warnings are now in effect for parts of South Florida (Greetings from South Florida!) and it appears that Central Florida (including Orlando and Walt Disney World) is back in the cone of uncertainty as the trajectory models have shifted inland a bit again.

115245 5day cone with line and wind

Here are the Key Messages for Hurricane Dorian per today’s 5:00 AM update from the National Weather Service:

115245 key messages sm

In the latest piece by the Orlando Sentinel, meteorologists warn of potential impacts all across Central Florida despite the current track models:

“The latest track shows Dorian making that turn to the North late Monday into Tuesday, which will bring a major hurricane very close to the East Central Florida coastline,” said WOFL-Fox 35 meteorologist Kristin Giannas. “Residents should expect tropical storm-force wind gusts and periods of heavy rain as we go through the day Wednesday. While the official track forecast does not show landfall, all of East Central Florida remains in the cone of uncertainty – so landfall is still a distinct possibility.”

Late last night, Orlando International Airport stated it would lift its original plans to close on Monday, September 2nd.

The National Hurricane Center continues to urge Florida visitors and residents to make preparations ahead of Hurricane Dorian as trajectories can still shift at the last minute, not to mention the effects of flooding and other impacts from being inside the cone.

While Walt Disney World’s Hurricane Policy states that a Hurricane Watch or Warning must be issued in the area for cancellation or change fees to be waived, it appears that Disney Vacation Club is already extending that courtesy to guests with upcoming reservations this weekend, and some of our readers have reported getting it waived for regular Walt Disney World resort reservations and vacation packages. Just be prepared for long hold times when you call in. Wait times as long as two hours or more have been reported, so do be patient.

You can also check for any further updates for Hurricane Dorian from the National Hurricane Center here, and read up on Walt Disney World’s hurricane policy here.