The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement for Walt Disney World and the surrounding areas, urging those in the area to “brace” for a significant change in weather overnight.
The NWS issued a Special Weather Statement at 2:14 p.m. EST, warning of sub-freezing temperatures in the area overnight. Temperatures after 11:00 p.m. local time and throughout the night are expected to fall into the low to mid-30s, with wind chills in the mid-to-upper 20s. Widespread frost is also possible.
Residents and visitors in the areas, which include Inland Volusia County, Northern Lake County, Southern Lake County, Orange County, and Seminole County, Florida, are urged to take precautions in preparation for the low temperatures and frigid wind chill values.
The National Weather Service Alert
The NWS warning from the East Central Florida forecast center (NWS Melbourne) is in effect from 11:00 p.m. on Saturday night, January 20, through 4:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, January 21, and reads as follows:
Sub-Freezing Temps Expected in Parts of North Orlando Residents in parts of North Orlando, including rural areas and regions shielded from the wind, should brace for a cold snap tonight.
Temperatures are set to plummet into the low to mid-30s, with some spots potentially hitting the freezing point.
The combination of northerly winds at around 10 mph will make it feel even colder, with wind chill values dipping into the mid to upper 20s. While widespread frost is unlikely, those in Lake, inland Volusia, and parts of Seminole and Orange counties should prepare. Local emergency management can provide information on available cold-weather shelters. Pet owners are advised to keep their animals indoors, and those with frost-sensitive plants should take protective measures. Caution is also urged when using space heaters to avoid fire hazards.
Per the National Weather Service, residents and visitors in the affected areas can prepare for the low temperatures by doing the following.
- Protect Your Pets, Livestock, and Other Property: If you have pets or farm animals, make sure they have plenty of food and water and are not overly exposed to extreme cold. Take precautions to ensure your water pipes do not freeze.
- Fill up the tank: Make sure your car or vehicle has at least half a tank of gas during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm if you become stranded.
- Dress for the outdoors even if you don’t think you’ll be out much.
- Update Your Winter Car Survival Kit
As the weather can be an ever-changing beast, more information will be updated as it becomes available.