Walt Disney World is now within a Tropical Storm Watch as Tropical Storm (and likely to be Hurricane) Helene makes its way through the Gulf of Mexico.
What’s Happening:
- The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for East Central Florida, including Orange and Osceola counties where Walt Disney World is located.
- Formerly known as Tropical Cyclone Nine, the now officially named Tropical Storm Helene is steadily growing in the Gulf of Mexico into a major storm, the largest to hit the United States this hurricane season.
- Based on the current trajectory of the storm, Thursday should see the Orlando area feel the biggest impact, including wind gusts up to 60 mph, possible tornadoes, and localized flooding.
- Governor DeSantis has declared an emergency for over half of Florida’s 67 counties as the state prepares for the storm, writes CNN.
- With strengthening expected to continue over the next 48 hours, the storm could have major effects for Orlando vacationers experiencing the parks.
- Of course, with it still being early, the track and strength of the storm could change.
- Walt Disney World’s Hurricane Policy can be found on their website.