Hurricane Ian is approaching Florida and we have more updates.

We’ve already shared a look at what Disney is doing to prepare, how cancelation policies for dining reservations have changed temporarily, and what areas of Disney World will be closed. But now the situation is changing a bit for the counties within which Disney World is located.

On September 26th, a Tropical Storm Watch was issued for Disney World’s counties. Earlier on September 27th, WESH 2 News reported that a Tropical Storm warning was put in place for Orange County, Florida, and Osceola County, Florida. Those are the two counties within which Disney World is located.

As the National Weather Service explains, a Tropical Storm Watch indicates that tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours, but that doesn’t mean that those conditions will occur.

A tropical storm warning, on the other hand, is issued when “sustained winds of 34 to 63 kt (39 to 73 mph) or higher associated with a tropical cyclone” are expected in 36 hours or less. 

Later, a hurricane watch was put into effect for both Orange County and Osceola County. For context, a hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.

UPDATE: As of later in the day on September 27th, Hurricane Warnings were put into effect for Orange and Osceola Counties, as well as other counties.

A Hurricane Warning indicates that “hurricane-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours.”

The National Weather Service has noted that hurricane-force winds are expected in the hurricane warning area in southwest and west-central Florida starting Wednesday morning. Near the cone of Ian, devastating wind damage is expected and heavy rainfall is expected to impact most of Florida over the next several days.

Continuing to watch some bands today, but tomorrow through the day I think more and more impacts from Ian come our way;

Tomorrow afternoon/evening/overnight is when the storms impacts are really moving through our area; pic.twitter.com/5vCBnfg4VA

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) September 27, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

With regard to the Hurricane Warning, the notice (according to WESH 2 News) warns that there is potential for winds of 74 to 110 mph, and advises individuals to plan for life-threatening wind equivalent to a Category 1 or 2 hurricane.

The alert warns that individuals should urgently complete all efforts to protect life and property, and move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

In terms of potential impacts, there could be roof damage, severe damage to mobile homes, damage accentuated by airborne projectiles, large trees that could snap or get uprooted, fences and roadway signs that could be blown over, and large areas with power and communications outages.

5pm #Ian advisory has just been issued; Here's a look… pic.twitter.com/XLkJOordXQ

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) September 27, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

Note that the situation is also somewhat favorable to tornados.

In addition, flood watches are in effect for both Orange and Osceola Counties until 2AM on September 30th. Extensive flooding of streets, along with creeks and rivers, is possible.

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

On September 28th, Hurricane Ian was upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane and a Tornado Watch has been issued for Central Florida as well. 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.

We are continuing to watch for updates on Hurricane Ian and will let you know what we find. You can check out our posts below for more information:

• The latest updates on Hurricane Ian ⬅️ We are continually updating this post with more hurricane updates
• What you need to know about cruising during hurricane season
• Disney Cruise Line comments on potential impacts of Hurricane Ian
• 6 items you need for a hurricane in Disney World
• Florida hotels offering discounted rates for hurricane evacuees
• Disney World crowd levels ahead of Hurricane Ian
• With Hurricane Ian approaching, Disney World hotels are showing no available rooms
• State of Emergency declared in Florida ahead of Hurricane Ian

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