The weather report continues to get worse as Nicole continues to churn towards Florida. What was once a subtropical storm, Nicole has now been upgraded to a tropical storm. With the development of the storm came a Tropical Storm Warning for both Orange and Osceola Counties, where Walt Disney World Resort is located.
“Nicole is forecast to become a hurricane on Wednesday when it is near the northwestern Bahamas, and remain a hurricane when it approaches the east coast of Florida,” the National Hurricane Center said.
Tropical Storm Nicole is expected to be a Category 1 Hurricane when it makes landfall late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. The storm is now tracking more Northwards and could make land in Brevard County. This is in Central Florida and could have a great impact on Walt Disney World Resort. The more recent weather projections also have the storm having a stronger than earlier anticipated impact on Central Florida. The primary concern is for flooding caused by rain. However, along the coast there is now concerns that erosion will happen. The issue could be even greater than normal as the impact of Hurricane Ian leaves the area vulnerable.
The effects of the storm should begin to be felt in Central Florida and Walt Disney World Resort area on Wednesday. With the change of track, there is a great potential for there to be Tropical Storm force winds for the area. At this time, most of Florida remains in the cone of uncertainty for where Nicole will track.
Nicole has already impacted Disney’s operations in the area. Earlier today Walt Disney World announced the closure of its one open water park and mini-golf locations. The Disney Cruise Line has also been forced to divert ships due to the storm.
