Walt Disney World Under Tornado Watch Hurricane Milton approach

As Hurricane Milton continues to move toward Florida, bringing dangerous weather to Central Florida, a tornado warning has been issued for Walt Disney World Resort and surrounding areas.

The watch is in effect until 9:00 p.m. today (Wednesday, October 9, 2024) as the outer bands of the storm begin to impact the region.

Tornado Watch Details

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornado development in the watch area. As Hurricane Milton approaches, its outer rain bands will result in increased wind shear and the potential for isolated tornadoes in the Central Florida region, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando.

While a tornado warning is not a guarantee that tornadoes will occur, it is a signal to be prepared and act quickly if a tornado warning is issued. Guests are encouraged to stay tuned to weather alerts and local news channels for instant updates.

How to stay safe during a tornado watch

During a tornado watch, it is important to have a plan and be prepared to seek shelter if necessary. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

Know the locations of your shelters: If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, follow cast member instructions. Resort hotels are designed with guest safety in mind and have severe weather protocols in place. If you’re at an amusement park, Disney Cast Members will direct guests to safe locations.

Stay inside: Avoid being outside during the tornado watch. If possible, stay in a sturdy building or your resort room. Avoid windows and find a safe indoor space when a tornado warning is issued.

Monitor weather updates: You have several ways to receive weather alerts, such as: B. via a smartphone, NOAA weather radio or local news broadcasts. Tornado warnings can be issued quickly, so it’s important to stay informed.

Walt Disney World Park Closures

As a reminder, Walt Disney World announced early park closures today due to Hurricane Milton:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios close at 1:00 p.m.

Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney Springs close at 2:00 p.m.

Disney has also suspended Walt Disney World transportation services once the parks and Disney Springs are closed for a day. Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels are advised to remain indoors as the storm’s impacts are expected to increase throughout the afternoon and evening.

Tornado risk from Hurricane Milton

Tornadoes are a common threat in hurricanes, particularly in the storm’s outer rain bands. These tornadoes can develop quickly and cause significant damage, especially in areas already prone to high winds and flooding. The National Weather Service warns that the threat of tornadoes will remain elevated throughout the day as Hurricane Milton continues to approach Central Florida.