Over 30 Florida Counties Under State of Emergency Due to Tropical Storm Idalia

Another tropical storm is currently making its way towards Florida.

Dark and stormy

Since Disney World is located in Central Florida, we keep a close eye on all the latest major weather updates (like tornado watches, hurricanes, and more) coming out of Florida since they may affect your vacation. If you’re heading to Florida this week, here’s what you need to know about the newest tropical storm.

UPDATE: As of August 29th, the Orlando Sentinel reports that Orange and Osceola Counties have been added to the previously declared State of Emergency for Florida.

UPDATE: As of 5PM EST on August 28th, Storm Surge and Hurricane Watches have been issued over portions of the west coast of Florida through the Panhandle. See the images below for the areas that are most likely to be affected.

4 PM CDT 27 Aug: #Idalia is forecast to become a hurricane over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Storm Surge and Hurricane Watches have been issued for portions of the Florida Gulf Coast. Interests in Florida need to closely monitor the latest forecast updates: https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/LdE84OKWwm

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 27, 2023

The storm, previously known as Invest 93L has now strengthened into Tropical Storm Idalia, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

10AM CDT 27 Aug: @NOAA_HurrHunter data shows TD-10 has strengthened to Tropical Storm #Idalia Interests in Florida need to stay up to date with the latest at https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ Storm Surge and hurricane watches may be need later today. Have your hurricane plan in place! pic.twitter.com/qySzomqYWh

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 27, 2023

Due to this recent development, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has now issued a state of emergency for 33 counties, warning them to stay vigilant during this time.

I’ve signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency for 33 counties in preparation for Invest 93L. Issuing this order today ensures communities have time to prepare for the storm system which could have impacts along the Gulf Coast next week.

Floridians should have a…

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 26, 2023

The following counties are now under a state of emergency:

Alachua
Bay
Calhoun
Charlotte
Citrus
Columbia
DeSoto
Dixie
Franklin
Gadsden
Gilchrist
Gulf
Hamilton
Hardee
Hernando
Hillsborough
Jefferson
Lafayette
Lee
Leon
Levy
Liberty
Madison
Manatee
Marion
Orange
Osceola
Pasco
Pinellas
Polk
Sarasota
Sumter
Suwannee
Taylor
Wakulla

Summer Storms

At this time, the counties Disney World resides in (Orange and Osceola) are not under a state of emergency, but we’re going to keep a close eye on this storm and bring you the latest updates. So stay tuned to AllEars!