Hurricane Elsa may impact the Disney theme park areas in Florida early next week

Jul 02, 2021 in "Severe Weather impacts to Walt Disney World"

Posted: Friday July 2, 2021 8:22am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The National Hurricane Center is tracking a weather system named Hurricane Elsa that may bring severe weather to Florida early next week.

Although its impact to Central Florida is not yet certain, the predicted path suggests some weather impacts may be felt around Tuesday July 6.

At 830 AM AST (1230 UTC), the center of Hurricane Elsa was located near latitude 13.1 North, longitude 60.1 West. Elsa is moving toward the west-northwest near 28 mph (44 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue during the next couple of days. On the  forecast track, Elsa will pass near or over portions of the Windward Islands or the southern Leeward Islands this morning, move
across the eastern Caribbean Sea late today and tonight, and move near the southern coast of Hispaniola on Saturday. By Sunday, Elsa is forecast to move near Jamaica and portions of eastern Cuba.

Reports from Barbados indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher gusts. Little  change in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles (35 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km). Barbados recently reported sustained winds of 74 mph (119 km/h) and a wind gust of 86 mph (138 km/h).

The estimated minimum central pressure is 995 mb (29.39 inches). Barbados recently reported a pressure of 998 mb (29.47 inches).

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Walt dJul 08, 2021

Yes elsa” let Her go….

wdwmagicJul 07, 2021

Tornado Watch now in effect for WDW until 8am Wed.

wdwfan22Jul 07, 2021

Happily Ever After ran as normal. No Tinkerbell as expected. It's only sprinkling at times and the wait times are non existent for most rides. Perfect night to be in the Magic Kingdom.

Disney AnalystJul 07, 2021

Just watching a stream, show appears 100% intact tonight. Wonder if storm hasn't progressed much yet? Perhaps they expected it to be worse by showtime for Epcot Forever.

MisterPenguinJul 07, 2021

MisterPenguinJul 07, 2021

https://www.windfinder.com/#8/27.0640/-82.4002/sfc/nospots

BrianJul 06, 2021

EPCOT Forever was cancelled because of the proximity of pyro to guests. HEA will likely be modified to exclude the in-park pyro (launched on and aside the castle), unless conditions worsen. The main pyro is launched a considerable distance away from guests. If you're going, I'd be prepared for a delay or perhaps even a slightly early start time. edit: Looks like Steve beat me to it with his news post regarding HEA. :)

durangojimJul 06, 2021

Just got back from DHS. Actually seemed busier than earlier in the week. We’re going to take the skyliner over to DHS around 6 tonight to try to ride Slinky. Dark sky isn’t showing rain until later tonight so fingers crossed.

IanDLBZFJul 06, 2021

From Busch Gardens Tampa: Due to the anticipated impact of Tropical Storm Elsa, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will close at 4:00 P.M. on Tuesday, July 6 to ensure the safety of our ambassadors, guests and animals. At this time, the park is expected to open at 12:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 7. Updates to the operating schedule will be communicated as needed.

jrhwdwJul 06, 2021

Will HEA be canceled as well?

DCBakerJul 06, 2021

MorphinePrinceJul 06, 2021

Typical spotty afternoon showers right now. We're not adjusting our evening plans just yet, gonna play it by ear.

JohnDJul 06, 2021

Elsa: The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside Couldn't keep it in, heaven knows I've tried Don't let them in, don't let them see Be the good girl you always have to be Conceal, don't feel, don't let them know Well, now they know Let it go, let it go Can't hold it back anymore Let it go, let it go Turn away and slam the door I don't care what they're going to say Let the storm rage on Gee, thanks.