NEWS: First Storms of Hurricane Season 2024 Form, Tropical Storm Warning Issued

Whether it means road trip traffic, flight delays, cancelations, or missing out on the ride you’ve been pining after, the weather can seriously mess with your Disney World plans!

This is especially true during hurricane season, which runs from June through November. And, since Disney World is in a hurricane hotspot by being in Florida — that means you need to be extra careful when planning. The first potential tropical storm of 2024 is currently forming in the Gulf of Mexico, and we’re telling you everything you need to know.

Ready or not (though we certainly hope you’re prepared!) hurricane season 2024 is here and with it, the first tropical storm of the year is expected to form over the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, according to CBS via the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Experts predict the storm — which would be named Alberto — could bring heavy rains, coastal flooding, and gusty winds to the Texas and northeastern Mexico coasts through Thursday — so if you live in any of those areas and are preparing to travel, you might want to consider changing your plans if you can!

Alberto is likely to reach the Mexican coastline late Wednesday or early Thursday. As of Wednesday morning, the NHC said the system was “lumbering” toward the region at around 8 mph. Early rains have begun in Texas and may impact the I-35 highway later today.

A satellite loop of Potential Tropical Cyclone One over the southwest Gulf of Mexico this afternoon and evening. Associated rain bands are expected to move into south-central Texas Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/zRLO2jXoLI

— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) June 19, 2024

A Tropical Storm Warning was issued for the Texas coast from the San Luis Pass south to the mouth of the Rio Grande and the northeastern coast of Mexico from the Rio Grande mouth to Puerto de Altamira. Rainfall of 5 to 10 inches is possible across the area, which could result in “considerable flash and urban flooding along with new and renewed river flooding. Mudslides are also possible in areas of higher terrain across northeast Mexico,” according to meteorologists.

As of 4AM CDT, the center of the storm was moving west-northwest at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.

©NOAA | Hurricane Laura over the Gulf of Mexico in 2020

In addition to the storm in the Gulf, another tropical disturbance is being monitored in the Atlantic Ocean, and we’ll keep you updated as we learn more about that.

This year, the Gulf of Mexico coastline (Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida) has a higher-than-usual risk. Further, the entire coast of South Florida has an increased risk. Another area that could be severely impacted by storm systems this year are the Carolinas coastline. In October 2023, we saw storm systems hit both the Gulf coastline and then make their way through Florida and up to the Carolinas.

Finally, there are instances where the Gulf coastline could be affected. These storms will likely only hit the Gulf coast of Florida without breezing through Florida — that will likely be the case here with Alberto, but we’ll have to wait and see further development from the storm to be sure.

It never hurts to pack rain gear and maybe an extra set of clothes if you are heading to the parks. While the parks operate rain or shine, be prepared for some ride closures (particularly the ones that are outdoors) and the possibility that some Cast Members will be moved indoors during lightning.

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

We’ll be on the lookout for any hurricane or weather news that could impact your next trip to Disney World or Universal Orlando, so stay tuned to AllEars for everything you need to know!