Credit: Inside The MagicFlorida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for the entire state, including Disney World. As the Walt Disney World Resort parks brace for impact, a development off the Atlantic coast is gearing up to cause potential life-threatening chaos.
Governor DeSantis Issues State of Emergency for Florida; Disney World Parks and Guests Prepare for Potential Severe Storm
The weather has not been favorable for Florida this summer, as heat waves, dust storms, and tropical depressions have been pounding the state since May.
Things are way from over, however, as a new development, which Inside The Magic first reported just a few days ago, has now become something that the National Weather Service and several Orlando news channels are closely monitoring. This development now has the potential to bring about a nasty storm that could endanger the lives of thousands.
Suppose you’re wondering how this pertains to the Walt Disney World Resort parks. In that case, you might want to keep reading. Just moments ago, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ordered a State of Emergency for multiple portions of the state, including Orange County.
This state of emergency is in effect starting this very moment. If you plan to visit the theme parks over the next three to five days, prepare for closures and more.
Florida is now under an emergency as a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico threatens to land over the weekend. On Thursday, after 5:15 p.m., Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-156, declaring a state of emergency for much of the state, including Orange County, home to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando.
Seeing a trend on the GFS for the edge of the Atlantic ridge to break down a little quicker, allowing #97L to cross the state more quickly. This would limit development over the Gulf, and hopefully avoid a scenario where it stalls over or near the state. Still some uncertainty. pic.twitter.com/D0IAp6hnSX
— Andy Hazelton (@AndyHazelton) August 1, 2024
Seeing a trend on the GFS for the edge of the Atlantic ridge to break down a little quicker, allowing #97L to cross the state more quickly. This would limit development over the Gulf, and hopefully avoid a scenario where it stalls over or near the state. Still some uncertainty. – @AndyHazelton on X
The Weather Authority has indicated that a tropical depression could develop over the eastern Gulf of Mexico or the far southwestern Atlantic Ocean this weekend or early next week, potentially bringing severe weather to Florida. Meteorologist Zach Maloch from The Weather Authority warned that the most potent effects from the tropical disturbance could be felt between Sunday and Tuesday, particularly in North Florida.
The governor’s office noted that up to 12 inches of rain could fall in some parts of the state, which may lead to school closures on Monday. The state of emergency covers numerous counties across Florida, where prolonged heavy rainfall is expected to result in flash flooding, river flooding, coastal erosion, and gusty winds, which could severely impact critical infrastructure, including major roads, bridges, airports, schools, and hospitals.
As of midday August 1, 2024, Invest 97L, a tropical wave producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms over Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, is predicted to develop into a tropical depression over the weekend. The anticipated rainfall is expected to push water tables to near-peak capacity, exacerbating the risk of significant flooding that could last several weeks.
Next week, Invest #97L could develop into a tropical storm or hurricane with impacts for Florida, possibly stalling or doubling-back across the peninsula.
This is ⚠️ not a forecast ⚠️ but one possible future from one run of the GFS deterministic model.
What this model does show… pic.twitter.com/IfOhThT7tS
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) August 1, 2024
Next week, Invest #97L could develop into a tropical storm or hurricane with impacts for Florida, possibly stalling or doubling-back across the peninsula. This is not a forecast but one possible future from one run of the GFS deterministic model. What this model does show however is that this system is one to watch for residents in Florida. Widespread flash and urban flooding could be a very likely scenario.
Downed trees and powerlines are also likely to cause widespread power outages. Governor DeSantis emphasized the severity of the situation, declaring that the conditions could constitute a major disaster for the state. As Florida braces for the potential impact of a tropical depression over the coming days, visitors to Walt Disney World Resort should take specific precautions to ensure their safety.
Guests planning to visit the park over the next 3-5 days should closely monitor weather updates and advisories from the National Weather Service and local authorities. Staying informed about the storm’s progress is crucial, as conditions may change rapidly, affecting park operations and travel plans. Disney World guests are advised to have a plan in place in case of severe weather.
This includes identifying safe indoor locations within the park, such as resort lobbies, restaurants, and attractions that can serve as shelters during heavy rain or high winds—packing appropriately for the conditions, including rain gear, extra clothing, and waterproof bags to protect personal belongings.
For those traveling from out of state, checking with airlines and hotels about cancellation policies and potential reservation changes is advisable.