According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Idalia, previously known as Tropical Depression 10, is now forecast to become a major hurricane over the eastern Gulf of Mexico and make landfall in Florida this coming week, around August 30.
Idalia Expected to Become Major Hurricane
A northward motion is expected through tonight, followed by a faster north-northeast motion on Tuesday and Wednesday. On the forecast track, the center of Idalia is forecast to pass near or over western Cuba tonight, over the extreme southeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Tuesday, and reach the Gulf coast of Florida on Wednesday. Idalia is forecast to become a hurricane later today and a dangerous major hurricane over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Wednesday.
Previously, the storm was expected to become a hurricane, but the size and force is now more accurately predictable, and it is anticipated to be relatively intense. A major hurricane refers to any system with sustained winds of at least 111 to 129 miles per hour, comparable to a Category 3 or higher.
On the most recent map above, an “M” marks a major hurricane while an “H” marks a smaller one. Idalia will now likely be relatively formidable when its impacts pass through Central Florida. The greatest effects on Florida are anticipated to occur around Wednesday morning and afternoon, August 30. Regardless of whether or not your local community is within the cone of uncertainty, experts are advising Floridians to prepare.
As of 4 a.m. ET, a Tropical Storm Watch has now been issued for Orange and Osceola Counties, including Walt Disney World. More recently, at 8 a.m., Idalia is still a tropical storm, about 90 miles south of the western tip of Cuba.
Walt Disney World’s Hurricane Policy states that a Hurricane Warning must be issued for cancellation or change fees to be waived. We will provide updates if the resort plans any closures or other actions connected to the adverse weather conditions.
Further updates from the National Hurricane Center are available here, as well as Walt Disney World’s hurricane policy as well.
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