Tropical Storm Ian officially become a hurricane recently.

We’ve been watching for updates on this storm for several days now, as Orlando and much of Florida remain in the cone of uncertainty. We’ve shared updates on what Disney is doing to prepare for the storm, changes made at the Orlando Airport in anticipation of the storm, and what you need to know if you’ll be cruising during hurricane season. Here’s the latest update and what you need to know.

As of September 26th, what was Tropical Storm Ian officially became Hurricane Ian. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) posted their 5AM update. As of that update, they noted that “considerable flooding impacts are possible later this week in west central Florida.” They also shared that additional flash or urban flooding, and flooding on rivers, across the Florida peninsula, could not be ruled out for later in the week.

Just before 7AM on September 26th, the update below was posted showing a model that forecasts Hurricane Ian sitting just off the west coast of Florida for several days.

Various school closures have since been announced. Many schools are closing from September 28th-September 30th.

Look at this- the GFS model is showing Hurricane Ian siting off the west coast of Florida for days…

Wed-Fri AM.

Ugh. pic.twitter.com/NpTUCwsEbF

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) September 26, 2022

 

 

 

Of course, things are subject to change. There is still quite a bit of uncertainty with this storm and what its exact path will be.

Ian is expected to strengthen, and the main impacts are expected to be felt Wednesday through Thursday in the Central Florida area.

Weather today is NORMAL- but we do need to be getting our homes secured for a storm.

Here's the timeline over the next few days… pic.twitter.com/aXH5udjtAc

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) September 26, 2022

 

 

 

UPDATE as of September 27th, 2022: Hurricane Ian has been upgraded to a category 3 hurricane. Tropical storm warnings, flood advisories, and hurricane watches have been announced for Disney World counties. 

Heavy rainfall of 8-12 inches (with locally higher amounts in excess of 15 inches) are expected and could cause flooding concerns. Sustained tropical storm force winds are likely, with stronger guests in squalls that could reach hurricane force. The National Weather Service points out that there is a potential for a few tornados starting tonight (Tuesday) and the earliest reasonable time of arrival for tropical storm winds would be overnight on Tuesday into Wednesday morning.

Here’s a look at some of the models as of September 27th.

Disney World has announced a few closures for select hotels, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, and the mini golf courses. You can read all about those closures here.

Disney is also adjusting their cancelation policies for dining reservations and special experiences. All of those details are fleshed out for you here.

Disney Cruise Line has also commented on Hurricane Ian’s potential impact on operations.

BREAKING NEWS: Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and more local theme parks have announced multi-day closures ahead of Hurricane Ian. Airports in the Orlando area are closing as well. Disney World will close its theme parks and water parks on Wednesday, September 28th, and Thursday, September 29th. Disney Springs will be closed on Wednesday, September 28th. They expect Disney Springs will also be closed on Thursday, September 29th, but more updates on that will be coming soon.

Get all the details on the Disney World closure HERE!

Update as of September 28th: Hurricane Ian has been upgraded to a category 4 hurricane and winds are expected to reach upwards of 155MPH. A Tornado Watch has also been issued for Central Florida. Later in the day a Tornado Warning was issued for Osceola and Brevard counties.

Hurricane Ian made landfall in Cayo Costa, Florida with winds of 150 mph — making it officially landing as a Category 4 storm at 3:05PM ET.

On September 29th, Hurricane Ian was downgraded to a tropical storm and significant flooding has taken place around Disney World and Orlando. Due to this flooding, the Orlando International Airport will remain closed today. You can read their most recent statement below.

Disney has also released a statement. We have shared the park pass reservations are not available for tomorrow but as of now, Disney has only announced that they will remain closed through September 29th.

BIG UPDATE: Disney World will officially begin a phased reopening on Friday, September 30th. 

For more information check out our links below:

• The latest updates on Hurricane Ian
• What Disney is doing to prepare for the storm
• Get our list of everything you need to know about going to Disney World during hurricane season
• What you need to know about cruising during hurricane season
• 6 items you need for a hurricane in Disney World
• Florida hotels offering discounted rates for hurricane evacuees
• With Hurricane Ian approaching, Disney World hotels are showing no available reservations this week
• State of Emergency declared for Florida ahead of the Hurricane
• Step-by-step guide to hurricane cancelation policies and refunds in Disney World

For more information on storms and how it has impacted Disney before, click here to see the most EXTREME weather ever seen at Disney World, or click here to see all about the times Disney World has closed.

Stay tuned for more information.

What to do if you’re going to Disney World during Hurricane Ian

Are you heading to Disney World this week? Tell us in the comments.