UPDATE: Idalia To Make Landfall as Category 4 Hurricane

Florida residents and visitors, take note! The latest update from the National Hurricane Center is that Hurricane Idalia is now set to make landfall as a category four hurricane.

As hurricane season reaches its peak in the Sunshine State, news of Hurricane Idalia’s impending impact has been making headlines all of this week. Former Tropical Storm Idalia picked up speed and strength and upgraded to a hurricane. Hurricane Idalia has been making its way toward Central Florida via the Gulf of Mexico—and, as a consequence, is also heading toward Walt Disney World Resort.

Related: Disney Announces Closures Ahead of Hurricane Idalia

While the hurricane season has been quieter this year—think of Hurricane Ian and its impact in September 2022—Hurricane Idalia might be the storm that changes that in Florida.

Per the latest news shared by journalist Scott Gustin, Idalia is expected to make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, with over 130 mph winds per the National Hurricane Center. The storm is expected to lose strength and intensity after it makes landfall and bring a heavy downpour and high winds to “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”

However, with this increase, it remains to be seen what impact the might have hurricane might have.

NEW: #Idalia is now expected to make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane with 130+ mph winds, according to the National Hurricane Center. pic.twitter.com/kJLA7dz8b9

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) August 30, 2023

As one commenter noted on X, formerly known as Twitter, “At least it appears the impact will be wilderness and not a population center.”

It’s important to note that per current predictions, Walt Disney World may not be severely impacted by the hurricane. As read in the statement released by the Central Florida Disney Resort,

Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members.

Read More: Disney World Releases Statement as Tropical Storm Barrels Towards Resort

Hurricane Idalia is expected to make landfall early Wednesday morning; it will first hit Florida’s Gulf Coast before heading west toward the Walt Disney World Resort.