UPDATE on Tropical Storm Elsa and Its Potential Impact on Disney World

We’ve seen a lot of rough weather in Disney World since its sunny location also puts it at risk for more extreme weather.

It can get really stormy at Disney World!

Hurricane Elsa is the first hurricane of the 2021 season, and we’ve been keeping an eye on the storm. Here’s an update on where it is now and how the forecast is looking!

Over the weekend, Hurricane Elsa traveled over St. Lucia, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean, where it caused significant damage to homes and buildings in the area. The storm lost some power as it traveled over land, but it is expected to build up again as it nears the warm, shallow waters near Cuba.

Hurricane Elsa is expected to remain over Cuba for most of today (Monday the 5th) and then continue towards Florida. The Florida Keys and Western coast of Florida should expect high winds and rainfall.

Hurricane Elsa Projection ©CNN

Previously labeled as a Category 1 hurricane, right now, the storm is classified as a tropical storm, since Elsa currently has winds at 65mph. 74mph winds are the starting point for the storm to be considered a Category 1 hurricane again. Tropical storm warnings are in effect along the western coast of Florida, where Elsa is expected to hit. On Monday evening, these areas are expected to see heavy rainfall and possibly high winds and tornados.

Hurricane Elsa Projection Through Florida ©CNN

On Tuesday, the tropical storm is expected to travel northeast towards central Florida, where wind speeds of up to 39mph are expected, along with heavy rainfall and severe winds.

UPDATE as of July 5th at 6:00PM ET: According to an update from FOX 35 News Orlando, Tropical Storm Elsa now has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and is about 45 miles southeast of Cuba. While it is spinning over Cuba and has weakened a bit, Elsa is expected to strengthen again as it goes over the Florida Straights.

With each new advisory, the storm appears to be tracking slightly to the west. Orlando is now outside of Tropical Storm Elsa’s projected path. But, FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Brooks Garner has warned that Orlando is going to catch waves of heavy rain and there’s even the slight chance for a tornado.

©FOX 35 News

According to the latest update, “The FOX 35 Storm Team has declared Tuesday and Wednesday as ‘FOX 35 Storm Alert Days’ as the impact of Tropical Storm Elsa could be felt in Central Florida. Residents and visitors to Central Florida should know that heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and a few isolated tornadoes are all possible during this time.”

If you’re planning to be in Disney World on these days, keep these things in mind:

Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom

Disney takes a lot of precautions when it comes to severe weather! If the weather poses a threat to the safety of guests and Cast Members, Disney will close the parks and ask guests to shelter in place at their hotels. They are prepared with food and even some entertainment. This tends to happen for higher category hurricanes.

Read about the BEST hurricane-ready hotels in Disney World here.

Make sure to be prepared for extreme weather in Disney World! If the weather does not pose a threat to the guests and Cast Members, the parks may remain open with some attractions and restaurants open as well. Make sure you have a poncho, umbrella, and other rain gear so you can keep enjoying the parks comfortably!

If a hurricane warning is issued in Orlando within 7 days of your arrival at Disney World, you can cancel or reschedule your trip free of charge! If this is the case, call Disney to make these arrangements.

Click here to read 6 tips for planning a Disney World trip during hurricane season.

Rainy Day in Magic Kingdom

We will let you know about further updates and news from Disney, so keep following DFB!

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