BREAKING: Florida State of Emergency Now Includes Disney World Ahead of Tropical Storm Helene

We have been monitoring the storm that is set to hit Florida soon as it develops in the Caribbean Sea.

Heavy rains at Animal Kingdom

On Monday, the storm was expected to develop into a tropical depression or tropical storm starting today, September 24th, and continuing to develop and strengthen. Due to this, Governor Ron DeSantis issued a State of Emergency for 41 counties in Florida. At the time this State of Emergency was called, Disney World was not included, but that has since changed.

STORM UPDATES

Earlier today, the storm was upgraded from Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 to Tropical Storm Helene. As of 5 AM today, September 24th, the severe weather potential had increased to conditions right for a tropical storm. A tropical storm watch had been issued for the Orlando area, and a hurricane watch has been issued for the Gulf Coast.

Storm clouds

It was just announced this afternoon, September 24th, that the State of Emergency has been extended to 61 out of 67 of Florida’s counties. This means that Disney World is now included in the State of Emergency.

BREAKING – A STATE OF EMERGENCY has been expanded to 61 of the 67 Florida Counties ahead of #Helene. If you are under a Sate of Emergency, please watch this situation closely.#wx #wxtwitter #tropicswx #hurricane #hurricanehelene #FLwx pic.twitter.com/ottaRtjq1E

— Florida Storm Chasers (@FLStormChasers_) September 24, 2024

As of right now, according to The Weather Channel, “Helene is likely to be a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday. A hurricane landfall is likely along the Florida Gulf Coast Thursday night.”

Expect a lot of rain this week

We know this storm is not ideal for vacationers and those planning to travel to Orlando this week. The conditions over the next 48 hours could pick up steam, and the tropical storm could eventually become a hurricane as it hits landfall. At this time, however, several meteorologist projections show that the storm is more likely to hit land in the panhandle of Florida. While Disney World has been included in the State of Emergency, impacts are expected to include rainfall and gusty winds. This means if you are planning to visit Disney World this weekend, you may encounter some not-so-great weather conditions.

Pack your ponchos and patience

As of right now, Disney World is operating normally, and there have been no announcements about whether the parks will close early. We will continue to monitor the storm and keep you updated, so stay tuned to AllEars!