Hurricane Milton's Torrential Rainfall Threatens Walt Disney World and Central Florida with Severe Flooding

Oct 08, 2024 in "Severe Weather impacts to Walt Disney World"

Hurricane Milton
Posted: Tuesday October 8, 2024 8:15am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 155 mph, continues its path toward Florida, expected to bring life-threatening conditions to central Florida, including the Walt Disney World area.

The storm is forecasted to make landfall late Wednesday night along Florida's west coast and move across central Florida into Thursday morning. With multiple hazards, including damaging winds, flooding rain, and possible tornadoes, residents and visitors are urged to complete final preparations by the end of the day.

Current Watches and Warnings

A hurricane warning remains in effect for Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake counties, including the Walt Disney World Resort area. This warning indicates that hurricane-force winds are expected within the next 36 hours.

Expected Impacts on Walt Disney World

While Walt Disney World Resort remains open at the time of this report, the storm's expected path could lead to damaging winds and heavy rainfall in the area starting Wednesday afternoon. Outer rainbands are projected to bring tropical storm-force winds, followed by hurricane-force gusts as the storm crosses the region on Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

Walt Disney World has announced closures at some of its resorts in preparation for the storm. The following closures will take effect at 11 am on Wednesday, October 9:

  • Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
  • Copper Creek Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
  • Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

These locations are particularly vulnerable due to their unique outdoor environments. Fort Wilderness and the Treehouse Villas are expected to remain closed until Sunday, October 13, while the Copper Creek Cabins are projected to reopen by Friday, October 11. Disney has yet to announce any theme park closures, but that is expected to change with announcements coming later today.

Airport Closures and Travel Disruptions

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has confirmed that it will cease all commercial operations starting at 8 am on Wednesday, October 9, in anticipation of Hurricane Milton's arrival. The airport will remain open for emergency flights and relief operations, but no regular passenger flights will operate. A post-storm damage assessment will be conducted before the airport resumes normal operations.

In addition to MCO, Tampa International Airport (TPA) closed on Tuesday morning, suspending all commercial and cargo operations. TPA will also remain open only for emergency services until after the storm passes.

Travelers with plans to fly to or from central Florida should contact their airlines for flight updates and alternative travel arrangements, as significant cancellations and delays are expected over the coming days.

Impacts of Hurricane Milton: What to Expect

Wind: Sustained hurricane-force winds are expected along the storm's path, with gusts potentially reaching up to 155 mph. These winds will lead to widespread power outages, downed trees, and structural damage. Residents and visitors are urged to be in safe shelter before hazardous conditions arrive on Wednesday.

Rainfall and Flooding: Forecast rainfall totals are between 4 to 8 inches, with localized amounts reaching 10 to 15 inches north of the Kissimmee to Melbourne line.

Tornadoes: The storm's outer rainbands may spawn tornadoes, with the highest risk from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning. Residents should have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts.

Preparing for Hurricane Milton

Today is the last full day to complete hurricane preparations. Residents and visitors in central Florida should ensure their hurricane supply kits are stocked, and that they have secured outdoor items and reinforced windows and doors.

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Lilofan24 days ago

Once Oscar crosses Cuba on Mon/Tue forecasters will be seeing if Oscar makes a northern turn up the Gulf, wait and see.

Vacationeer24 days ago

What’s up with this Oscar Hurricane. Little chance of making a Florida run?

donaldtoo25 days ago

I, personally, am not keeping a scorecard on who or who hasn’t donated what…that’s their business, not mine, and yet another thing I’m not losing sleep over. It’s just that millions upon millions of dollars to me is unfathomable. I have no more words… :cyclops:

Lilofan26 days ago

Even if TWDC donated millions more a few will still critic it wasn't enough or why execs don't personally donate. Disney isn't the only company meeting this feedback.

plutofan1526 days ago

I am well aware of what you were referring to. I am not defending or criticizing the man. A person has the right to do whatever he or she wants to do with their money. If making it public makes you feel better, that's on you not the individual. For the record, I do not agree with more decisions the company has made recently than I agree with. For whatever that is worth.

Figgy126 days ago

With how upset the latest cash grabs have made people, maybe he should and I was talking about how 2 individuals have equaled or exceeded the corporate donation

plutofan1526 days ago

And yet nobody knows whether Iger has donated or has not donated. Not everybody makes their charitable donations public. Just saying.

Lilofan26 days ago

It won't change the haters that still hate Bob...

Figgy126 days ago

Dolly Parton 3 million, Taylor Swift 5 million. Just saying

donaldtoo26 days ago

His net worth is estimated at over $700 million, so maybe he could chip in a few million more…? I’m not one of those that hate rich people, and, ultimately, it’s none of my business what they do with their money, but $700 million and you can’t donate a few million here and there from time to time…?! It’s not like he’s a spring chicken, and, as they say, you can’t take it with you…!!!!! :hilarious:;):hilarious:

John park hopper26 days ago

It's great Disney is donating 3 million it would be even better if Bob donated 3 million of his 31.6 million salary

DCBaker27 days ago

In a new email, Disney says it's investing $3 million that will be used to assist cast members, the local community and nonprofits aiding in recovery efforts after Hurricane Milton. Here's the email: Florida friends and neighbors, With Hurricane Milton now behind us, we hope that you all made it through the storm safely. We know it was a very challenging event and realize that many of our fellow Floridians are facing difficult circumstances as a result. It’s touching to see so many residents, local businesses and nonprofits stepping up to provide relief to those who need it. We’re especially thankful to our cast members who helped keep our guests and each other safe during the storm and continue to support our community. Like all of you, we are dedicated to helping Florida move forward. Disney is investing $3 million that will be used to assist cast members, the local community and nonprofits aiding in recovery efforts. This is in addition to the thousands of meals delivered to Second Harvest Food Bank and Osceola Council on Aging, as well as donations we made ahead of hurricane season to help Florida nonprofits stock up with supplies that could be used in storm shelters like blankets, sheets, pillows and hygiene products. The Disney Employee Relief Fund has also been activated to assist any Disney employee whose primary home was impacted by the storm, and we’re providing other personalized assistance for cast, including repair services, mental health resources, backup adult and child care, and food, water and ice distribution. As Florida continues to recover, we remain by the side of our extended Disney family and communities across the state. Thank you to all those who have stepped up before, during and after the storm to keep the people and places around us safe. We are proud to serve alongside you.

MisterPenguin28 days ago

Watch out, Disneyland Paris!

jmuboy28 days ago

I noticed this as well. I assume having landscape teams get into the enclosures to clean up and address replanting is a lot more challenging in this attraction for obvious reasons. I would assume the debris will slowly be removed. Also noticed a good amount of bamboo patches in the attraction were impacted which is easy to cut back and let regrow (which it regrows quickly and easily) Some degree of natural destruction and regrowth of vegetation gives this attraction its hyper realistic feel. As opposed to the manicured landscape you typically see at WDW