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Disney World Under Tornado Watch

Disney World Storm
Credit: Disney Dining

When it comes to extreme weather ripping through the Sunshine State, we usually think of the summer and fall. Hurricane season in Florida runs from June through November. However, that does not mean that the summer months are the only time bad weather can pop up. Florida typically has warmer temperatures, but those temperatures can drop, and massive storms can turn your day from sunshine to trying to stop your umbrella from blowing away.

Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort should always be aware of potential bad weather during their trip.

Cinderella Castle lightning

Credit: CNN

On December 15, the National Weather Service announced that severe weather had come to Central Florida and that several counties — including Orange and Osceola, where Walt Disney World Resort is located — were under a tornado watch. The tornado watch began in the morning and is still effective until at least 4 p.m. EST.

Here’s an updated map on where the Tornado Watch is posted…

Many people may be a little confused about the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. WESH2 Orlando meteorologist, Eric Burris, cleared things up, so more people would be aware.

So, a tornado watch has been posted for our area… What does that mean?

Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form The tornado watch means we need to WATCH OUT. If a warning is issued, that means it’s happening… Be weather aware!

The National Weather Service posted the following warning for those living in Central Florida:

TORNADO WATCH 591 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 4 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

IN FLORIDA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 4 COUNTIES

IN EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA

BREVARD ORANGE OSCEOLA SEMINOLE

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, APOPKA, BITHLO, CASSELBERRY, CELEBRATION, CONWAY, DEER PARK, EAU GALLIE, HORIZON WEST, KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, LAGRANGE, MELBOURNE, MULLET LAKE PARK, OVIEDO, PALM BAY, PLAYALINDA BEACH, SANFORD, TITUSVILLE, WEKIVA SPRINGS, AND WINTER SPRINGS.

magic kingdom disney rainy

Credit: Google

Should a tornado hit Walt Disney World while you are outside, find shelter immediately. It is best to stay on the bottom floor of whatever building you are in and make sure to stay away from any windows. Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members will do everything they can to ensure everyone’s safety, and it is important that all Guests listen to any and all directions given.

About Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!