A tornado watch is now in effect for Orange County, Florida, home to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.
Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm. While the hurricane is not expected to pass through Central Florida, adverse weather conditions are likely to continue.
The National Weather Service has issued the Tornado Watch for most of the state and is predicting a 60% chance of two or more tornadoes.
The storm is expected to move quickly over Florida, but the state could still see rainfall of up to 4-8 inches, with some areas getting as much as 12 inches along Florida’s west coast and panhandle.
To assist in evacuation efforts, Florida’s Department of Transportation has removed tolls in portions of the state.
At this time, the theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort are operating as normal, with both destinations closely monitoring the weather. Walt Disney World is waiving their change and cancellation fees through September 5, and offering 50% off hotel stays for Florida residents evacuating and first responders dealing with the storm. Typhoon Lagoon and the mini golf courses are closed.
