Potential Hurricane Ian Presents “Significant Uncertainty” for Florida

The 2022 hurricane season (June 1 – November 30, 2022) has been relatively uneventful for Florida visitors. With Orlando being the hub of theme park giants, including Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, it’s also essential to keep an eye on potential hurricane impact. Now, Tropical Storm Ian is presenting Florida with “significant uncertainty.”

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At the time of publishing this article (Saturday, September 25, 2022), Tropical Storm Ian is expected to become a hurricane later today or early Thursday. Throughout the day, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has been tracking the storm as it leaves many questions about where along Florida’s Gulf Coast it will make landfall.

UPDATE: September 26, 2022, Hurricane Ian Update

Tracking the storm for the next three to five days will be key as the National Hurricane Center is certain the hurricane will hit Florida, but the clear answer to where is problematic. The NHC has cautioned, “There are still significant differences regarding the exact track of the storm, especially after 72 hours.”

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Some models show the storm tracking east, making landfall in west-central Florida. Other models show the storm moving west into the central or western Florida panhandle. Flordia’s Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a state of emergency as Florida prepares for “broad impacts throughout the state.”

Tropical Storm Ian is likely to hit Florida mid-to-late next week. If visiting Walt Disney World Resort or the surrounding areas, it is extremely important to have a hurricane plan in place. Even if the storm weakens, there will likely be a large amount of rainfall and flooding.

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Disney fans visiting next week through next weekend should be prepared for a rainy vacation! We have seen in several chat groups some Guests are canceling their Disney vacation while others would be happy to ride out the storm at Disney.

We will be sure to keep Disney Tips readers updated as we learn more about the potential Hurricane Ian and what it may bring to Walt Disney World with its “significant uncertainty.”