The National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida, updated the Tropical Storm Watch they had previously issued for Orange County to a Tropical Storm Warning. Orange County is home to both Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort.

Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Orange County

At 5:11 PM, the outlook was updated as follows:

“…TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT…

A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are
expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours

• WIND
  • LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tropical storm force winds remain
    possible
    • Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 45 mph
  • THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
    UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58
    to 73 mph
    • The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
      previous assessment.
    • PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical
      storm force.
    • PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property
      should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for
      significant wind damage.
    • ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.
  • POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
    • Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with
      damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few
      buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door
      failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored.
      Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles.
    • Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
      numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
      fences and roadway signs blown over.
    • Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within
      urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways,
      and access routes impassable.
    • Scattered power and communications outages, but more
      prevalent in areas with above ground lines.
• FLOODING RAIN
  • LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
    • Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 1-3 inches, with locally
      higher amounts
  • THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
    UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for
    moderate flooding rain
    • The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
      the previous assessment.
    • PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
      moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues
      are possible.
    • PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
      vulnerable to flooding.
    • ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
      action may result in serious injury or loss of life.
  • POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
    • Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations
      and rescues.
    • Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with
      swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places,
      especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams,
      creeks, canals, and ditches overflow.
    • Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken
      foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas
      of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and
      poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on
      moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow.
      Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge
      closures.
• TORNADO
  • LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
    • Situation is favorable for tornadoes
  • THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
    UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several
    tornadoes
    • The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
      previous assessment.
    • PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
      several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger
      damage paths.
    • PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are
      urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather
      arrives.
    • ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado
      warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.
  • POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
    • The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the
      execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
    • Several places may experience tornado damage with a few
      spots of considerable damage, power loss, and
      communications failures.
    • Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
      homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped
      or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed
      about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.”

Walt Disney World Issues Statement About Tropical Storm Idalia and Cancellation Policy

Walt Disney World has issued a statement regarding Tropical Storm Idalia and their cancellation policy.

“Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members. Guests may reschedule their trip or cancel their stay with us; any customary cancellation fees will be waived.”

Though currently only carrying a tropical storm warning at this time, Idalia is expected to become a Hurricane before making landfall in Florida.

Idalia is currently expected to make landfall in Florida around Wednesday morning, August 30.

Walt Disney World’s Hurricane Policy typically states that a Hurricane Warning must be issued for cancellation or change fees to be waived. However, they adjusted that policy earlier today before this tropical storm warning and are now allowing fees to be waived. We will provide updates if the resort plans any closures or other actions connected to the adverse weather conditions.

Is this tropical storm warning causing you to consider alternative arrangements for your Orlando trip? Let us know in the comments.

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