Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a State of Emergency for 34 of Florida’s 67 counties on Monday afternoon. This includes Orange and Osceola Counties, where Walt Disney World Resort is located. The state of emergency comes as Subtropical Storm Nicole continues to move toward Florida and there are concerns of flooding and other impacts for the storm. It is expected to make landfall late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. It could be a Category 1 hurricane when it does.
Ahead of its arrival, Florida officials are urging preparation and caution to keep people as safe as possible. This comes just months after the devastating impact that Hurricane Ian had when it crossed Florida. Governor DeSantis released a press release urging residents to have a disaster plan, a half tank of gas and multiple ways to get weather updates if living in a flood zone.
“While this storm does not, at this time, appear that it will become much stronger, I urge all Floridians to be prepared and to listen to announcements from local emergency management officials,” Governor Ron DeSantis said. “We will continue to monitor the trajectory and strength of this storm as it moves towards Florida.”
The statement warned of the “a risk of dangerous storm surge, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, strong winds, hazardous seas, beach erosion, and the potential for isolated tornadic activity for Florida’s Peninsula,” and people should take “timely precautions” ahead of the storm’s arrival.
Currently, the area surrounding Walt Disney World is also under a Tropical Storm Watch. Some of the areas that Subtropical Storm Nicole is expected to impact are still recovering from the devastation from Hurricane Ian earlier this fall. Nicole has also caused the Disney Cruise Line to alter the courses for some of its ships. Daps Magic will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.
