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Credit: Inside the MagicDisney is once again on high alert as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) closely monitors a growing tropical system in the Caribbean, which is expected to strengthen into a tropical depression or storm within the next couple of days.
This new storm, likely to be named Tropical Storm Rafael if it gains enough strength, could pose yet another challenge for Florida, a state already reeling from multiple storms this season, including the damaging Hurricane Milton.
The NHC’s forecast indicates that the Caribbean disturbance is slowly consolidating, showing a high likelihood of further development. Currently sitting in the southwestern Caribbean, this broad area of low pressure is producing scattered showers and thunderstorms.
Over the next few days, as it moves northward and possibly toward Florida, meteorologists anticipate an upgrade to tropical storm status, potentially prompting tropical storm watches and warnings for parts of the region.
Disney’s Storm Preparedness Underway
Given Disney’s extensive properties across Central Florida, including the bustling Walt Disney World Resort, the organization is prepared for any potential impacts Rafael may bring. With the busy holiday season around the corner, Disney has already implemented emergency plans to protect guests, employees, and infrastructure.
This season’s challenges have been unprecedented, with hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton all impacting the Gulf Coast, along with Hurricane Idalia in 2023. Of these, Hurricane Milton was particularly impactful, requiring Disney to mobilize its response teams across parks and hotels.
The storm’s effects were felt far beyond Disney’s properties, with Orlando’s surrounding areas seeing significant flooding, power outages, and disruptions to travel. If Tropical Storm Rafael moves as predicted, Disney may have to implement similar safety measures.
NHC Monitoring and Forecast Updates
In a 1 p.m. tropical outlook, the NHC pointed to two systems being monitored, with Subtropical Storm Patty also currently active in the eastern Atlantic and expected to head toward Spain. However, the primary focus for Florida and Disney lies with the Caribbean system, which meteorologists say has a 90% chance of development within the next two to seven days.
“Gradual development of this system is expected,” noted the NHC, “and a tropical depression is likely to form within the next couple of days while moving generally northward to northwestward over the central and western Caribbean Sea.” Early forecasts have this system moving into the Gulf of Mexico, with the possibility of impacting Florida’s Gulf Coast by mid-week.
Disney and other Central Florida organizations will likely be closely monitoring the system’s progress, particularly as forecasters suggest the storm could veer toward Florida’s Panhandle or Big Bend region. Zach Law, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne, underscored that “uncertainty remains high” until a well-defined center develops.
The NHC said, “Nov 2: Swell with rough to very rough seas will continue to impact the Greater Antilles, Bahamas, and parts of Florida through the next few days. You can find more information in our offshore waters forecast.”
Nov 2: Swell with rough to very rough seas will continue to impact the Greater Antilles, Bahamas, and parts of Florida through the next few days. You can find more information in our offshore waters forecast: https://t.co/MHRhrJJ3X7 pic.twitter.com/TuNBtKnq90
— NHC_TAFB (@NHC_TAFB) November 2, 2024
Increased Safety Precautions After Milton
With widespread flooding and extensive power outages, the hurricane was a reminder of Florida’s vulnerability during the Atlantic storm season. Disney has reinforced its hurricane preparedness plans, including additional backup power supplies, enhanced guest communication channels, and contingency plans for both indoor and outdoor attractions.
Disney has also emphasized visitor safety in the wake of Milton. During the storm, theme parks closed temporarily to safeguard guests and cast members, while resorts provided shelter and modified services to accommodate displaced visitors.
Disney’s emergency response teams have been actively training to streamline evacuation procedures, minimize disruptions, and restore normalcy as quickly as possible post-storm.
What Disney Visitors Can Expect if Rafael Strengthens
Should Tropical Storm Rafael grow and move toward Florida, Disney may need to implement additional safety protocols, including:
- Park Closures and Schedule Changes: Depending on the storm’s trajectory and intensity, Disney may decide to close parks temporarily to prioritize guest safety.
- Resort Modifications: Resort operations, including dining and recreational activities, may be adjusted to ensure guests have safe shelter and access to essential amenities.
- Increased Communication: Disney provides real-time updates to guests via its app, website, and resort staff, ensuring visitors are well-informed about any potential changes or safety instructions.
The tropical outlook issued by the NHC as of 8 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, adds to the urgency, given the high chance of development and the likelihood of storm watches being issued.
Broader Weather Patterns in the Atlantic
Beyond Rafael, another low-pressure system near the Greater Antilles is producing disorganized showers, although it has a low chance of forming into a named storm. This trough of low pressure, located east of the southeastern Bahamas, is likely to merge with the Caribbean system soon, further intensifying Rafael.
In addition, Subtropical Storm Patty, which developed Saturday, continues moving eastward across the Atlantic and is expected to pass near the Azores before transitioning into a post-tropical depression.
The 2024 Hurricane Season’s Lingering Effects
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30, has already seen 16 named systems, with 10 intensifying into hurricanes. Each storm has stressed Disney’s emergency preparedness and required heightened caution around guest and employee safety.
With each approaching storm, Disney’s reputation for ensuring guest well-being faces the ultimate test, highlighting the company’s dedication to preparedness and resilience.
As Disney and other Central Florida residents keep an eye on the storm, visitors are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and any potential park announcements.
For many, planning around weather-related risks has become an inevitable part of the Disney experience, but with extensive preparations, Disney aims to ensure that the magic remains intact even through Florida’s unpredictable weather.
Would you visit Disney during a hurricane? Or would you reschedule your visit?