Florida Orange County Mayor Warns of Weather Impact Due to Hurricane Idalia

It’s officially hurricane season in Florida and the state is experiencing its first major storm of the season.

Rainy Day in Magic Kingdom

We’ve been watching Hurricane Idalia as it approaches Florida and continues to grow stronger and stronger. Disney World has released statements and warnings for certain hotel guests and is offering a 50% hotel discount for evacuees and first responders. Orange County, where Disney World is located, is currently under Tropical Storm warning and now we’ve got an update on what the weather could look like as Idalia approaches Florida.

Orange County Major Jerry Demings held a news conference on August 29th, 2023 to discuss Hurricane Idalia. He mentioned that earlier in the day Florida Governor Ron DeSantis included Orange County in the state of emergency. Demings also noted that he signed a local state of emergency prior to this conference.

Rain in Disney World

If you are visiting Disney World this week, Orange County is expected to get some bad weather from the storm. Demings noted that “we will likely experience tropical storm force winds for 12 hours or so.” This is expected to begin at midnight of August 29th and through noon of August 30th.

Damage is expected from these winds — likely one of the reasons Disney asked guests of Fort Wilderness to “remove and stow all outside items, including tents and decor by 6PM on August 29th.

Fort Wilderness

Additionally, Orange County is expected to get 5 inches of rain, however, the wind is noted as the most problematic part of the storm. The National Weather Service says to expect sustained winds of 40mph with gusts of 55mph. Things can change with the forecast so keep checking for weather updates as the storm gets closer and closer.

Projections for Hurricane Idalia

For now, Orlando International Airport plans to remain open, however, your flight may be delayed or canceled. If you are heading into or out of the airport, keep a close eye on the status of your flight.

Plane

Demings also commented on theme parks saying “our theme parks are likely going to remain open for the majority of the time.” Demings continued, “They’re going to have to make a call based on the circumstances at the time” and suspects there could be periods of time when the parks close. Disney has not indicated that the theme parks will close, but they may adjust as the storm gets closer.

Magic Kingdom Entrance

Demings mentioned that if you need non-emergency assistance, please call 311 instead of 911. Four shelters have opened in Orange County that are all pet friendly and two of those can accommodate those with special needs.

We’ll continue to keep you updated on the storm as it makes its way to Disney World.