Tropical Storm Bret Likely to Form and Swing North

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Florida has its eyes turned eastward currently as another storm system approaches. The storm season has already been a busy one off of Florida’s coast but thankfully none that have made landfall have had a significant impact. That could be about to change as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) tracks the current system. A tropical wave is currently speeding its way across the Atlantic and the NHC says it’s one to watch.

The system developed last week off of Africa’s western coast and began its westward journey toward North America. “Environmental conditions appear conducive for additional development, and a tropical depression is likely to form over the next day or two,” the NHC stated. “This system is expected to move westward at 15 to 20 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic through the middle part of the week.”

This system is set to become Tropical Depression 3. Tropical Depression 2 developed earlier in the month and threatened Florida before swinging south toward Cuba after becoming 2023’s first named storm, Tropical Storm Arlene. The first Tropical depression of the year occurred in Florida in January, well outside of the typical time period for cyclonic storms.

With conditions favorable, the storm will likely strengthen and the NHC is not ruling out the possibility of the storm’s wind speeds sustaining 40 mph which would elevate the system to Tropical Storm Bret. The current storm path looks to make impact with the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in the next few days. Atmospheric conditions suggest the storm will swing northward after that and head in Florida’s direction.

Favorable conditions mean that the atmospheric pressure and water temperatures are right to “nurture the storm” so-to-speak into a stronger cyclonic system. It is expected to continue to gain strength as it swings to the north and makes its way to Florida. According to the Orlando Sentinel, “The NHC gives the system an 80% chance to form into a depression or storm in the next two days, and 90% within the next seven.” So far, the system has not developed into a Tropical Depression but we expect by tomorrow’s update, Tropical Storm Bret will have formed.

This is something to keep in mind if you plan to set sail on Disney Cruise Line or travel to Walt Disney World in the next week. Storms are unpredictable and change quickly, so we won’t advise you to change your plans just yet. Currently what you need to know is that there is a storm that could impact your plans. The storm could gather strength and become a threat or it could fetter out over the Atlantic Ocean. The NHC gives an update daily and we will be monitoring it closely. If there is any change or potential threat to Central Florida, we will be sure to update you at that time.

Gov. DeSantis Declares State of Emergency As Florida Braces For Potential Cat. 3 Hurricane

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

We are more than three months into Florida’s hurricane season and, so far, things have been quiet. While there has been some wild weather at the Walt Disney World Parks, the state has had to deal with nothing more than severe storms, and hurricanes have been non-existent. However, things are now changing, and several storms have formed recently, and one of them could be headed right for the Sunshine State.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Depression Nine is making its way through the Caribbean, and it is strengthening. The National Hurricane Center is reporting that Tropical Depression Nine is expected to form into Hurricane Ian — and they expect it to hit Florida as a Category 3 storm. The announcement prompted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to issue a State of Emergency for 24 counties in the state.

The Orlando Sentinel reported more on the State of Emergency declaration:

Tropical Depression Nine formed in the Caribbean on Friday with a path that could bring it to Florida next week as a major Category 3 hurricane prompting Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency in 24 counties.

“This storm has the potential to strengthen into a major hurricane and we encourage all Floridians to make their preparations,” he said. “We are coordinating with all state and local government partners to track potential impacts of this storm.”

DeSantis also requested a federal emergency declaration ahead of landfall that would free up funding sources for emergency protective measures. The counties in the order are Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and St. Lucie.

Not in the order are Orange, Lake, Seminole or Volusia.

It should be noted that Walt Disney World Resort lies in both Orange and Osceola counties. So, based on what counties are a part of the State of Emergency, it appears that Disney World could be on the outskirts of the worst parts of the storm.

If you are at Disney World when a hurricane hits, Disney has plenty of procedures in place to keep you safe. Outdoor rides — like Test Track, Slinky Dog Dash, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — will shut down until the weather clears up. If things get bad, Disney will shut the Parks down and keep Guests inside their hotels until things are safe, and they can open back up.