Hurricane Milton to Hit Walt Disney World & Central Florida Overnight Tonight as Major Hurricane – Latest News. Here is the latest information we have about Hurricane Milton, with updates from Walt Disney World, Universal, and a rather serious warning from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. If you take anything away from this article it is this, take this seriously. This is a massive storm, with the potential for “Devastating to Catastrophic” damage.
We are NOT an official source of weather. Please go to your trusted source of weather information, the Florida Gov Website, or the National Weather Service. If you are not a local to Florida and are visiting on vacation, here is a direct link to the Orange County, Florida Weather and Forecast from the National Weather Service. We also follow Mike’s Weather Page on Instagram. We are here to bring the information to people who are either here at Disney World and reading Disney-related news and information, or those who may be headed here.
The latest Hurricane and Local Warnings are below.
We live 6 miles from the heart of Walt Disney World on the edge of Polk and Orange County, we are doing this for guests visiting, but we are also doing this for our friends and family, along with ourselves so we can remain calm. We live in an amazing neighborhood on a hill that has not flooded during the last few hurricanes. We also realize this is unlike any hurricane we have ever seen hit the resort area.
We need something to do, we need to all remain calm, but we also need to realize it is dangerous. We will be live tonight on our YouTube channel doing our normal Wed evening show, so please join us and try to escape from reality for a few moments.
The timeline for Hurricane Milton has been all over the place, but as it gets closer we have a more defined timeline. Hitting the Gulf Coast of Florida sometime around midnight tonight, moving west to east overnight, following I-4, the eye should pass just south around 8 AM Thursday. By 1 PM the eye should be well past the Disney area, but that doesn’t mean the storm will be over.
Furthermore, here is the direct link to the Walt Disney World weather page, along with the Universal Orlando weather page. If you are here on vacation just know that Universal and Disney World resorts are some of the safest places to be to be during Hurricane Milton. Please pay attention to any Cast Member instructions, and stay up to date with the most recent forecast.
Cast Members and Disney will go out of their way to make sure you and your family are safe. The resorts may have special appearances by characters, movies will be shown throughout the day, and you have access to water, food, and emergency resources. Disney will sometimes hand out flashlights and resources like extra towels or bathroom necessities if a shelter-in-place order is issued.
Walt Disney World is closing today at various times between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The Disney World ‘Ride-Out’ team, aka Cast Members who are there to make sure guests remain safe, are in place and ready to help. It is likely to be closed all day Thursday, October 10th, 2024.
From Walt Disney World Resort:
Monitoring Hurricane Milton
Last updated on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 5:45 PM ET.
We continue to closely monitor the path of Hurricane Milton. Based on the latest projection, we are making additional operational adjustments for the safety of our Guests and Cast Members beginning Wednesday, October 9.
The Walt Disney World Emergency Operations Center is connected to weather experts and community leaders. Please know these adjustments have been made in order to leave plenty of time for our Guests and Cast Members to return to their Resort hotels or homes safely hours before higher winds are expected to reach Central Florida.
Operational impacts include:
Walt Disney World Theme Parks
On Wednesday, October 9, our theme parks and Disney Springs will be closed in phases beginning at 1:00 PM.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park will close at 1:00 PM.
- Magic Kingdom park, EPCOT and Disney Springs will close at 2:00 PM.
It is likely the theme parks will remain closed on Thursday, October 10. We will consider opening Disney Springs on Thursday in the late afternoon, with limited offerings.
This includes the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park on Thursday, October 10. Event tickets will be refunded.
Disney Resort Hotel Closures
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will temporarily close beginning at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 9. They are likely to remain closed until Sunday, October 13.
Transportation
Walt Disney World Transportation will stop operating on Wednesday, October 9 after Disney Springs and the Walt Disney World theme parks close.
Limited Minnie Van and Mears taxi service will be available to Walt Disney World Resort Guests.
Recreation
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will be closed on Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10. Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park remains closed for planned refurbishment.
There are no events planned for ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex until the weekend.
Reservations for Dining and Other Experiences
Effective immediately, we will not enforce cancellation policies until further notice for dining and other experiences.
Prepaid bookable experiences will be automatically refunded within 7 to 10 business days.
The Walt Disney Company CEO, Robert Iger, is being informed of everything happening here at Disney World and posted last night: “Our thoughts are with the people of Florida as Hurricane Milton approaches. Please take care and stay safe!”
From Universal Orlando:
Last Updated: October 8, 2024 at 2:15 PM
Due to Hurricane Milton, Universal Orlando Resort is making the following operational changes for Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.
- On Wednesday, Oct. 9, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk will be open until 2 p.m. and will be closed on Thursday, Oct. 10. (*Note: Hours of operation are subject to change based on forecast alterations and some attraction and experience availability may be limited on Wednesday as we prepare for an early closure)
- Universal Volcano Bay will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.
- Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is canceled for Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.
- Our hotels remain operational as they focus on taking care of our guests.
We anticipate a full reopening of our destination, including Halloween Horror Nights, on Friday, Oct. 11 at our normal operating hours pending the outcome of storm impacts.
Seaworld Orlando, Legoland, MCO Airport, and Tampa Bay International are all closed with updates coming for a reopening timeline. Most restaurants and delivery services are closed.
Hurricane Milton to Hit Walt Disney World & Central Florida Overnight Tonight as Major Hurricane – Latest News
Latest Hurricane Milton Warning:
Hurricane Warning
Milton Local Watch/Warning Statement/Advisory Number 17
National Weather Service Melbourne FL AL142024
507 AM EDT Wed Oct 9 2024
FLZ045-091800-
/O.CON.KMLB.HU.W.1014.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
Orange-
507 AM EDT Wed Oct 9 2024
...HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT...
* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
- Orlando
- Apopka
- Christmas
* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Strong Tropical Storm force
wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 45-60 mph with gusts to 80 mph
- Window for Tropical Storm force winds: early this evening
until Thursday afternoon
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 74
to 110 mph
- The wind threat has increased from the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for life-threatening wind of equivalent CAT 1 or
2 hurricane force.
- PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property
should be urgently completed. Prepare for considerable wind
damage.
- ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive
- Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some
having window, door, and garage door failures leading to
structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some
destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles.
Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks.
- Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within
urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways,
and access routes impassable.
- Large areas with power and communications outages.
* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 8-12 inches, with locally
higher amounts
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for extreme
flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
extreme flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues
are likely.
- PREPARE: Urgently consider protective actions from extreme
and widespread rainfall flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Devastating to Catastrophic
- Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations
and rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their
banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams,
creeks, canals, and ditches may become raging rivers. In
mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while
increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides.
Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or
washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover
escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of
raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions
become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures
with some weakened or washed out.
* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Situation is very favorable for tornadoes
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for many
tornadoes
- The tornado threat has increased from the previous
assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for many
tornadoes with some possibly intense having larger damage
paths.
- PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are
urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather
arrives.
- ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado
warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive
- The occurrence of numerous tornadoes can greatly hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Many places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of immense destruction, power loss, and communications
failures.
- Locations could realize roof and wall failures of sturdy
buildings with some being leveled, structures upon weak
foundations blown away, mobile homes obliterated, large
trees twisted and snapped with forested trees uprooted,
vehicles lifted off the ground and thrown, and small boats
destroyed. Large and deadly projectiles can add to the toll.
* FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- Family emergency plans: Federal Emergency Management Agency
- https://www.ready.gov
- Local weather conditions and forecasts
- http://www.weather.gov/mlb
$$
Hurricane Local Statement
Hurricane Milton Local Statement Advisory Number 17
FLZ041-044>046-053-058-141-144-154-159-164-247-254-259-264-347-447-547-647-747-091730-
Hurricane Milton Local Statement Advisory Number 17
National Weather Service Melbourne FL AL142024
530 AM EDT Wed Oct 9 2024
This product covers East Central Florida
**TORNADO RISK INCREASING TODAY ACROSS EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA**
**HURRICANE MILTON WILL BRING FLOODING RAIN AND DAMAGING WINDS LATE TONIGHT
AND THURSDAY MORNING**
**HURRICANE PREPARATIONS SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION THIS MORNING**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for
Coastal Volusia, Northern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern
Brevard Barrier Islands
- A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Coastal Indian River,
Coastal Saint Lucie, Inland Indian River, Inland Northern
Brevard, Inland Saint Lucie, Inland Southern Brevard, Inland
Volusia, Mainland Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard,
Northern Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and
Southern Lake
- A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
Coastal Martin and Inland Martin
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 370 miles southwest of Orlando FL
- 24.5N 85.4W
- Storm Intensity 160 mph
- Movement Northeast or 45 degrees at 14 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
As of 5 AM, Major Hurricane Milton was located in the southeastern
Gulf of Mexico. Milton has picked up forward momentum and is moving
to the northeast at 14 mph and remains an extremely dangerous category
5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph and a minimum
central pressure of 907 mb.
Milton will continue moving northeast across the southeastern Gulf of
Mexico through the afternoon hours today. Milton is currently forecast
to make landfall along the Florida west coast sometime after midnight
then crossing east central Florida Thursday morning and early afternoon,
then moving offshore into the Atlantic. There will be multiple, significant
hazards posed by Milton as it moves over east central Florida.
Hurricane Warnings remain in effect for all of east central Florida,
except Martin county, where a Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm
Warning are in effect. Final preparations should be rushed to
completion by this morning before conditions deteriorate through
the day on Wednesday.
Wind: Outer rainbands from Hurricane Milton will move northward across
east central Florida through today with gusty winds expected. By this
evening winds will begin to increase as Milton draws closer to the west
coast with some gusts to tropical storm force likely in passing rainbands.
Through the overnight hours into Thursday morning, winds will
strengthen to tropical storm force with gusts to hurricane force along
Milton`s path, with a swath of sustained hurricane force winds
possible near the center of the storm. These winds will have the potential
to knock down trees and power lines, leading to power outages. All east
central Florida residents and visitors should be in a safe shelter before
conditions become hazardous later tonight.
Heavy Rain: Rainfall directly associated with Hurricane Milton will
increase in coverage and intensity through the day Wednesday and into the
night, as rainbands reach east central Florida. Significant rainfall and
flash flooding potential will develop into Thursday morning, especially near
and along the I-4 corridor and the Greater Orlando area.
Between 6 to 12 inches of rainfall is forecast across east central
Florida, with a swath of 10 to 15 inches possible along the
I-4 corridor. Farther south, the forecast calls for 3 to 6 inches of
rain. These amounts, along with instances of higher rainfall rates,
will be capable of producing significant, potentially devastating
flooding. Heavy rainfall will also cause rapid rises on area creeks
and streams. The Saint Johns River at Astor, which is already
approaching Moderate Flood Stage, is forecast to rise quickly to Major
Flood Stage by Thursday morning. Additional locations upstream on the
Saint Johns are also likely to experience rises to at least Minor or
Moderate flood stage through Saturday, and possibly reaching major flood
levels at DeLand and Geneva by Sunday.
Tornadoes: In addition to damaging wind gusts, the risk for tornadoes will
increase across east central Florida this afternoon and evening as wind shear
increases as Hurricane Milton draws closer. Tornado Watches will likely be
issued for portions of east central Florida by late morning or early
afternoon. Tropical cyclone tornadoes can develop quickly from discrete showers
and storms that will be moving northward this afternoon. Residents and
visitors should have multiple ways of receiving severe weather alerts
and be ready to seek safe shelter.
Beach and Coastal Hazards: Along the coast, there is the potential for
significant beach and dune erosion from coastal storm surge. This
threat exists especially near and north of where Milton tracks. After
Milton moves offshore Thursday, strong northerly winds are expected,
elevating water levels along the Atlantic coast. Storm surge is
forecast to reach 3 to 5 feet above normally dry ground in areas along
the immediate Volusia and Brevard County coastlines, with dune erosion
likely. A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for all Brevard Barrier
Islands and Coastal Volusia County. Up to 2 to 3 feet of storm surge will
be possible along the Treasure Coast. Higher water levels will
continue into Friday along the Atlantic beaches.
Heed the advice of local officials with recommended evacuation and or
sheltering actions for those in flood prone locations, mobile homes,
or on the barrier islands.
Continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane
Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible extensive
impacts along and south of the I-4 corridor, to Okeechobee and Saint
Lucie counties. Potential impacts in this area include:
- Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed.
Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be
uninhabitable for weeks.
- Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and
access routes impassable.
- Large areas with power and communications outages.
Also, protect against dangerous wind having possible significant
impacts across the remainder of east-central Florida.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
devastating impacts across areas north of a Kissimmee to Titusville
line. Potential impacts include:
- Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and
rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks
in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks,
canals, and ditches may become raging rivers. In mountain
areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while increasing
susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control
systems and barriers may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape
routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water
with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very
dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened
or washed out.
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
limited to extensive impacts across the remainder of east central Florida.
* TORNADOES:
Protect against a particularly dangerous tornado event having
possible extensive impacts across much of east central Florida.
Potential impacts include:
- The occurrence of numerous tornadoes can greatly hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Many places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of
immense destruction, power loss, and communications failures.
- Locations could realize roof and wall failures of sturdy
buildings with some being leveled, structures upon weak
foundations blown away, mobile homes obliterated, large trees
twisted and snapped with forested trees uprooted, vehicles
lifted off the ground and thrown, and small boats destroyed.
Large and deadly projectiles can add to the toll.
* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across the immediate Volusia and Brevard County coastlines.
Potential impacts in this area include:
- Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by
waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast.
- Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become
weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low
spots.
- Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and
numerous rip currents.
- Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
unprotected anchorages.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging
wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the
center of the storm.
If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or poor
drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to
move to safe shelter on higher ground.
Be sure to let friends and family members know of your intentions for
weathering the storm and your whereabouts. Have someone located away
from the threatened area serve as your point of contact. Share vital
contact information with others.
Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with orders that
are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of
others.
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org
NEXT UPDATE
-----------
The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Melbourne FL around Noon EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.
$$
Volkmer
