NEWS: Idalia Officially Strengthens to a Hurricane As It Approaches Florida

If you’re heading to Disney World soon, you need to keep a close eye on the weather reports.

Don’t underestimate hurricane season!

A storm named Idalia is headed toward Florida and we’ve been sharing regular updates about Disney’s statements on the matter, what you should do if you’re planning a visit, and more. But now we’ve got an important update.

What once was Tropical Storm Idalia has officially become HURRICANE Idalia as of the latest updates on August 29th.

According to the 4AM CT updates from the National Hurricane Center, there is a continued danger of “life-threatening storm surge inundation along portions of the Florida Gulf Coast.” Strong winds are also expected to spread inland across parts of northern Florida.

©NOAA

Here’s a look at the earliest expected arrival time of tropical storm-force winds. It looks like it’ll mainly hit parts of Florida by the afternoon/evening on Tuesday into Wednesday morning.

©NOAA

And here’s a look at the forecast cone for the center of the storm. It does look like it’s mainly expected to hit more northern parts of Florida.

©NOAA

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Hurricane Idalia is predicted to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane before it hits Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The Sentinel reports that NHC senior hurricane specialist Eric Blake has said “Rapid intensification is likely through landfall, and Idalia is forecast to become an extremely dangerous major hurricane before landfall on Wednesday.”

Hurricane season brings LOTS of rain

How will this all impact Central Florida? Well, Central Florida isn’t expected to bear the brunt of the storm, but it can still be affected.

According to the WESH 2 News weather alerts, a tropical storm WARNING has been issued for the 2 counties within which Disney World is located — Orange County and Osceola County. Previously, this was a tropical storm watch but it has been increased to a warning.

A tropical storm watch indicates that tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours, but a tropical storm warning indicates that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.

Don’t forget your rain gear!

The tropical storm warning notes that Hurricane Idalia is expected to “cross the Florida Gulf coast on Wednesday as a major hurricane” and that preparations should be done this morning ahead of local tropical storm conditions that are expected by tonight into Wednesday.

They note that “Showers and squalls associated with outer rain bands from Idalia should reach central Florida later today, with conditions deteriorating further tonight and Wednesday.” They continue, “Based on the current forecast track, Idalia will make its closest pass to east-central Florida late tonight and early Wednesday morning.”

Stormy winds from 2022

There is a threat of tornadoes that is forecasted to develop this afternoon as well.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, “The National Weather Service in Melbourne said parts of east Central Florida will see 2-3 inches of rain with some pockets hitting 4-5 inches, but also warning tornadoes could begin to form inland starting this afternoon with the threat continuing into Wednesday.” So strong winds and heavy rain are two things you should be be prepared for.