The summer months are upon us, meaning potential weather disasters will constantly loom over Florida until late October. Tropical Storm Bret has formed in the Atlantic Ocean, marking this year’s first possible threat to the sunshine state. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it heads west this week. Will it be putting on its Mickey Ears and heading to Florida?
The Cone of Uncertainty
Tropical Storm Bret is unique for the Atlantic hurricane season as it formed in an area that doesn’t see much activity in the summer. Nevertheless, the formation is strengthening as it heads west toward the Caribbean. It is expected to become a Category 1 hurricane by the time it hits the Lesser Antilles.
Currently, the storm is moving at a pace of 17 miles per hour with sustained winds of 40 mph. According to the National Hurricane Center, it is expected to bring flooding, heavy rainfall, and hurricane-force winds between Thursday and Friday in the Lesser Antilles. Storm surges and waves are additional potential threats. Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands should also prepare for some nasty weather.
The effects of Bret will likely not impact Florida until sometime next week, but many people have begun to wonder if we are dealing with our first major hurricane to strike the United States this year.
Is Hurricane Bret Coming to Florida?
Bret is still far from Florida, and the state has yet to fall into the projected path as of June 20. The Tropical Storm has a larger-than-usual cone of uncertainty, so the National Hurricane Center says to monitor updates closely and put a hurricane plan in place.
5 pm AST: Tropical Storm #Bret is expected to strengthen over the tropical central Atlantic and move across the Lesser Antilles. Here are the Key Messages. Visit https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ for details. pic.twitter.com/28fMxc48rO
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) June 19, 2023
Some weather forecasts say the storm is expected to weaken as it spreads over the Caribbean. There is potential for the westward path to turn north, but it is too soon to make that prediction with any certainty. Another possible storm is being tracked southeast of Tropical Storm Bret, which may bring about additional bad weather.
Those planning a trip to Florida in the coming weeks should be aware of the storm and prepare for some inclement weather. Regardless of if Bret strikes Florida, the state almost always receives bouts of heavy rain randomly throughout the day during the season.
As of now, your vacation to Walt Disney World should not see too many issues stemming from Bret, but be sure to keep up with the latest updates on the storm should you be heading to the theme park soon. Bad weather is known to cause rides to shut down and entertainment offerings to be canceled.
Don’t forget to monitor your My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date ride and attraction closures and weather updates.
