Hurricane season means that we have to keep a careful eye on the weather in the Atlantic Ocean during this certain time of year.

Rain on Main Street during Hurricane Idalia in 2023

Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, and many experts believe this season could be more active than anything we’ve previously seen. We’ve already seen one hurricane in the U.S., Hurricane Beryl, which recently heavily impacted Texas (and brought severe weather to other parts of the country). Now, meteorologists are carefully monitoring a tropical depression headed toward Florida that is expected to become a tropical storm. FEMA recently issued a warning about that storm, and we have the latest update.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a warning to those who live in Florida and those visiting Florida to prepare for a tropical depression over the Straits of Florida or eastern Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Peninsula. A Tropical Storm Watch is also in effect for the Florida Keys, as well as the west coast of Florida. According to The National Hurricane Center (NHC), the system could develop into a Tropical Storm and will likely bring heavy rain and flash flooding across Florida through the weekend.

©NHC

A hurricane watch has been issued for parts of west-central Florida, as well as the Big Bend region, where hurricane conditions are possible late Saturday evening. Tropical storm conditions are expected further south along the state’s west coast, including Tampa Bay, and across the Dry Tortugas where Tropical Storm Warnings are currently in effect. Also, storm surge warnings are in effect for the west coast of Florida. Orlando does not currently have any warnings or watches, but that could change.

Hurricane near Disney Springs

Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay has already announced it will be closing early today ahead of the storm at 7PM.

Visit the link below to learn about our Weather-or-Not Assurance policy:

☔️ https://t.co/67hwKaC18v pic.twitter.com/gmeqyn7NR7

— Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (@BuschGardens) August 3, 2024

Meanwhile, Visit Florida has activated Expedia’s Emergency Accommodations Portal for visitors looking for hotel availability across the state.

VISIT FLORIDA has activated Expedia’s Emergency Accommodations Portal. Visitors and Florida residents can access real-time info on hotel availability across Florida. Stay safe, stay informed. https://t.co/983XlXtBMu pic.twitter.com/KNzNUHstdZ

— FL Tourism Industry (@FloridaTourism) August 3, 2024

FEMA encourages those in the path of the storm to pay close attention to weather forecasts, as well as to the advice of local officials. If you are visiting Disney World, you should pay attention to Cast Members, who are prepared to handle this kind of storm throughout the resort.

We’ll continue to keep an eye on the situation, but if you’re in the area, make sure you stay weather aware.

Stay tuned to DFB for more.

6 Essentials You Need to Conquer Hurricane Season in Disney World

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Will you be in Orlando this weekend? What steps are you taking to prepare for the storm? Let us know in the comments!