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Disney Travelers! Storm Could Hit Florida With Hurricane Strength

storm nicole november 7

We previously shared the news that the National Hurricane Center was keeping an eye on a storm with Florida in its path. Now, reports are showing the storm could hit Florida near hurricane strength.

Time to keep an eye on the weather, Walt Disney World Resort travelers! Even though several of Florida’s coastal towns are still picking up the mess from September’s Hurricane Ian, it looks like the 2022 hurricane season isn’t done just yet.

Storm Watch for Florida

RELATED: Disney Resort Experiences Flooding from Hurricane Ian

With the hurricane season running through November 30, 2022, it’s easy to ignore the signs and focus on the upcoming holidays… but the National Hurricane Center is advising otherwise.

Now, the previously announced storm has organized enough to be named Subtropical Storm Nicole as of Monday, November 7, 2022, with its location in the Atlantic Ocean.

Orlando Sentinel reports, “As of 8 a.m., the system was located about 520 miles east of the northwestern Bahamas with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph moving north-northwest at 14 mph. It’s expected to slow down its forward speed later Monday and begin a west to west-southwest push from Tuesday to Thursday.”

Rain Puddle at Walt Disney World
Credit: World of Disney

RELATED: What Happens When There is a Hurricane at Disney World?

Storm Nicole is projected to hit Florida’s east coast by Wednesday, November 9, 2022, with near hurricane strength, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has announced, “On the forecast track, the center of Nicole will approach the northwestern Bahamas on Tuesday, move near or over those islands on Wednesday, and approach the east coast of Florida by Wednesday night.”

The storm is currently classified as subtropical, with 40 mph winds out as far as 275 miles. Nicole is expected to form a more defined eye and gain strength before it impacts Central Florida.

Rainbow over Magic Kingdom Cinderella Castle
Credit: Disney

RELATED: Dangerous Storm System Causes Disney to Close Yet Again

As Subtropical Storm Nicole forms, NHC goes on to report, “It’s not out of the question for Nicole to reach hurricane strength, especially given how warm the waters are in the vicinity of the Bahamas. It should be stressed, however, that no matter Nicole’s ultimate intensity, the storm’s large size will likely cause significant wind, storm surge and rainfall impacts over a large portion of the northwestern Bahamas, Florida, and the southeastern coast of the United States during much of the upcoming week.”

Fans flooding to Walt Disney World Resort to check out the massive Christmas tree (video below!) at Magic Kingdom Park, and more holiday decor may be in for a wet vacation.

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The tree is up and she’s beautiful! No time like Christmas time at the Magic Kingdom! ? . . Like and follow DisneyDining for more Disney content. . #waltdisneyworld #disney #disneyworld #disneyparks #disneyatchristmas #christmasatdisney #magickingdom

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We highly recommend keeping a close eye on the National Weather Service for the latest developments. If you do have plans to visit Disney Parks or Disney Springs this week, here are a few tips on how to enjoy rainy days at the Parks. Stay safe, Disney fans!

About Jamie Sylvester

I'm a Disney nerd! A kid at heart who loves the magic and memories of Walt Disney World. I follow all things Disney and enjoy the vacations, day trips, weekend getaways, and geek out over the planning of such events. My goal is to experience as many Disney desserts and cocktails as possible! Married to another Disney nerd and blessed with a daughter and son, we thoroughly enjoy the magic at Disney and are here to help others experience the magic as well.