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Funnel Cloud Spotted at Disney World!

EPCOT Tornado
Credit: Andrew Klatt

We are deep into the hurricane season in Florida. That means that, pretty much every day, the weather will turn in the early afternoon and rain is most likely to fall. This hurricane season has been a relatively quiet one, with no major hurricanes hitting the state yet. However, even though there have been no hurricanes this year, that does not mean that the weather will always be calm. In fact, Florida’s summer weather can be wild and unpredictable.

Cinderella Castle lightning

Credit: CNN

On September 15, Guests visiting the Walt Disney World Resort were shocked to see a funnel cloud forming over Spaceship Earth at EPCOT. Pictures were shared on social media that show Guests staring at the funnel cloud in the Disney Park, surprised at what they are seeing. You can see pictures of the funnel cloud below.

EPCOT Tornado

Credit: Andrew Klatt

Tornado EPCOT

Credit: Daniel R. Facebook

Little Shellder shared another picture of the funnel cloud on Twitter.

Theme park insider Scott Gustin also shared a video of the scary weather.

You can also see the photos (and who may be behind the turn in the weather) on Disney Dining’s TikTok page!

@disneydining

Funnel clouds near Disney tonight… . Like and follow for more Disney content. More information at Disneydining.com. . #waltdisneyworld #disney #disneyworld #disneyweather #epcot

♬ original sound – DisneyDining.com

Numerous Guests who were visiting EPCOT reported that Guests began to seek shelter as soon as they saw the funnel cloud. Which is exactly what you should do. The Centers For Disease Control’s National Center for Environmental Health shared the following tips if you ever fund yourself in the path of an oncoming tornado:

Falling and flying debris causes most injuries and deaths during a tornado. Although there is no completely safe place during a tornado, some locations are much safer than others.

  • Go to the basement or an inside room without windows on the lowest floor (bathroom, closet, center hallway).
  • If possible, avoid sheltering in any room with windows.
  • For added protection get under something sturdy (a heavy table or workbench). Cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag or mattress. Protect your head with anything available.
  • Do not stay in a mobile home.

If you are outside or in a mobile home, find a nearby building, preferably with a basement. If you are in a car, do not try to outrun a tornado, but instead find the nearest sturdy building.

No one can know a tornado’s strength before it touches down, so keep up with local weather information, especially when thunderstorms are forecasted. Prepare your home and family for the possibility of a tornado. Moving to a shelter quickly is easier when everyone knows where to go, whether in your home or outdoors. Following these tips will give you the best chance for staying safe.

magic kingdom train station

Credit: Becky Burkett
Disney Dining

According to follow-up reports, the funnel cloud and accompanying wind did no major damage to the theme park, and the weather turned into a thunderstorm.

Disney Dining will keep readers updated if and when we learn more.

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!