NEWS: Severe Weather Predicted to Hit Disney World This Weekend

It doesn’t take a meteorologist to know what happens when the sky looks dark and angry, but watching the local Orlando weather reports can reveal a lot about what to expect on your upcoming trip to Disney World.

Stormy clouds in Magic Kingdom

During the holiday season this year, it seems like Central Florida is preparing for a WET Christmas — not a WHITE Christmas.

According to local Orlando NBC News affiliate WESH 2 News, a storm system is developing in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm is predicted to bring tropical storm-like conditions to Florida between December 16th and 17th. Residents are being told to prepare for wind, heavy rain, and localized flooding.

©WESH 2 News

Currently, meteorologists are looking at two scenarios that lay out the path the storm could take. In one scenario, experts predict a weaker storm system with more rain, while the other possibility calls for more severe weather. @EricBurrisWESH on Twitter/X reported, “Either way, there’s a ton of rain and gusty winds in there.”

Well friends, we've got ourselves a storm;

Here's a look at the global model runs. Both bring a pretty powerful storm system in, with it big flooding rains and gusty winds- but also potentially severe weather.

Next few days will give more specifics. Not a nice weekend ahead… pic.twitter.com/4smIY7wDt0

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) December 14, 2023

Currently, Saturday evening and Sunday morning are designated as “First Warning Weather days,” with meteorologists warning that severe storms are coming to Central Florida beginning around 4PM on Saturday. The stormy weather is expected to stop around 3AM on December 17th and exit on Sunday afternoon, according to WESH 2 News.

Right now there's still differences in the speed and track of the low in the Gulf that hasn't formed yet. Those differences will determine what types of impacts we'll see this weekend in Central FL. Here's a look at possible scenarios. #wesh #weather #gulf #low pic.twitter.com/2G4krlYWa4

— Cam Tran WESH (@CamTranTV) December 15, 2023

Per the Storm Prediction Center, parts of Central Florida are now under a level two out of five severe weather threat, with the threat of tornadoes. Currently, the tornado threat is predicted to begin Saturday evening and continue through the next morning.

SPC has upgraded our area to a level 2 out of 5 risk for scattered strong to severe storms for late tomorrow into Sunday morning.

Looking at wind gusts and tornadoes as our main concerns.

It's going to get nasty friends… pic.twitter.com/PG8GOhnVgb

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) December 15, 2023

Note that about 2-5” of rain is expected, and winds may gust as high as 50-55 mph, per WESH 2 News. In light of the weather conditions, Blizzard Beach Water Park in Disney World will be closed on December 16th and 17th.

©Disney

If you’re planning to visit Disney World or live in the area, keep an eye on the weather and stay safe. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.