A Tornado Watch is in effect for parts of Central Florida, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, due to Hurricane Helene.
Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Tornado Watch During Hurricane Helene
The Tornado Watch is for Brevard, Indian River, Lake, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, St. Lucie, and Volusia counties. Universal Orlando Resort is in Orange County and Walt Disney World is in Orange and Osceola counties.
A Tornado Watch means there is the potential for tornadoes, not that a tornado will definitely occur. The watch is in effect until at least 8 p.m. EDT on Thursday, September 26.
The same counties are also under a Flood Watch through Friday morning and remain under a Tropical Storm Warning. The peak wind forecast is 25 to 35 mph with 50 mph wind gusts.
Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort both remain open, although Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, mini golf courses, and Universal Volcano Bay are closed. Disney also canceled Thursday’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and select tours. Outdoor attractions and entertainment will likely also be affected by the storm as heavy rain and lightning are expected.
Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane (wind speed greater than 110 mph) on the Florida panhandle Thursday night. Currently, the hurricane is a Category 2 storm.
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