Walt Disney World could potentially be in the path of a hurricane. Currently, a tropical storm named Ian is in the Caribbean and appears to be headed to Florida where it could potentially impact Walt Disney World Resort. Potentially this could be a Category 3 hurricane. The storm is serious enough that Governor Ron Desantis has called a state of emergency for 24 counties. One of these counties part of Walt Disney World Resort resides in.
“This storm has the potential to strengthen into a major hurricane and we encourage all Floridians to make their preparations,” Desantis said. “We are coordinating with all state and local government partners to track potential impacts of this storm.”
Desantis has requested a Federal emergency declaration before the arrival of the hurricane to free up state resources for emergency protective measures. The counties that are included are Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and St. Lucie. Part of Walt Disney World is in Osceola County. The other county that Walt Disney World is in is Orange County.
As of late Friday night, the National Weather Service was predicting the hurricane will approach Florida late Tuesday night and make landfall on Wednesday. This all could change as models are updated throughout the weekend. If it becomes a hurricane, it will be known as Hurricane Ian. Further off on the horizon is Tropical Storm Hermine, which could also potentially impact Florida as well.
If you are planning on visiting Walt Disney World or Florida in the coming week, keep an eye on the weather reports and warnings to see how this storm will be impacting both Walt Disney World and Florida. Walt Disney World will allow for changing or cancellation of reservations if a tropical storm or hurricane warning is issued within seven days of travel.