So far, the 2023 hurricane season has been relatively quiet, but now things are starting to heat up. A tropical depression just 80 miles south of Cozumel, Mexico, has strengthened into Tropical Storm Idalia and is expected to become a category one hurricane either later today or early Monday. It is expected to make landfall late Tuesday night or Wednesday morning in Florida.
That low level center on the visible satellite this afternoon.
It’s definitely more south than most models have.
I think we will see tracks continue shifting east due to this.
For us in Central Florida, this will mean the potential for more impacts down the line… pic.twitter.com/vFshVnktZX
— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) August 27, 2023
The storm’s eastern edge is expected to clip the Walt Disney World Resort, bringing rain and high winds to the Orlando area. The original forecast called for Idalia to make landfall further west by the panhandle of Florida. But that tract has shifted and is expected closer to Disney World.
Disney World can expect wind gusts in the 35-45 miles per hour range and three to six inches of rain beginning Tuesday afternoon. As of Sunday afternoon, Disney has not made any announcements about the storm or the possibility of closing the parks.
Just realized I didn’t post the full FutureCast 12z run.
Coming in strong as well, but a little more west seemingly… pic.twitter.com/MFsajxEcby
— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) August 27, 2023
The last hurricane to hit Disney World was Ian, making this the second-straight “I” named storm to impact Central Florida. Ian hit the Walt Disney World Resort in late September 2022. While Hurricane Ian came ashore as a category three storm, Disney closed most of the resort, while guests stayed in their rooms.
Being in Florida, Disney World is used to dealing with Hurricanes. In the past, Disney has had to close its parks because of storms—guests on the property are asked to shelter in their resorts when a hurricane hits. Disney usually amps up the resort entertainment for guests and has a food system.
The 2pm intermediate advisory has been issued for #Idalia; Here's the latest on position and intensity… pic.twitter.com/jxzx21bpMM
— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) August 27, 2023
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a State of Emergency for 33 counties along the Gulf of Mexico and inland. Those counties can expect heavy rainfall and sustained winds. The governor has asked residents to have a hurricane plan and be prepared for possible flooding and the impact of strong winds.
We will continue to update this news at Disney Fanatic.
