Tropical Storm Helene is expected to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico before it makes landfall in Florida on Thursday.

©National Hurricane Center

As we reported yesterday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had declared a state of emergency for 41 counties in Florida, but stopped short of the Central Florida area where Disney World is located. All that has changed today, though. As is often the case with hurricanes, Helene’s forecast is changing. The storm is now expected to grow larger and more powerful than previously thought — and that means it will affect a larger area.

DeSantis has amended his emergency declaration to now include 61 counties — including the counties of Lake, Orange, and Osceola, where Disney World and adjacent resorts and other tourist attractions are located.

DeSantis

The forecast does not call for Disney World to take a direct hit from this storm, though if the storm turns inland sooner than expected, it could impact the area more. Forecasters now say the Disney World area could have heavy rain, high winds, and the potential for flooding and/or tornadoes.

Disney World during Hurricane Debby in August 2024.

If you are in Disney World currently or traveling there over the next couple of days, we suggest bringing rain gear and perhaps even some items that you may need in a hurricane. Here are 6 essentials you might consider packing. Disney World sometimes closes when there is inclement weather caused by hurricanes in the area, but the closures are usually short-lived. Here’s how to handle the worst-case scenario while you’re on a Disney World vacation. 

Keep following DFB for more on this developing weather situation.