One of the things that Florida is known for is its truly wild weather. From July to November, residents are always on the lookout for hurricane warnings and thunderstorms occur almost daily. However, things can be just as intense during the non-hurricane season as well, and we see that today. Many parts of Florida, including the Orlando area, have been issued a tornado warning as an intense storm makes its way across the country and up the coast.
The tornado warning for Orlando is in effect until 10:30 a.m., January 16. Here is some important information on the storm as shared by the National Weather Service:
Description
…Strong showers and thunderstorms will impact portions of southeastern Seminole, Okeechobee, western Indian River, Brevard, southeastern Orange, southeastern Volusia and Osceola Counties through 1030 AM EST…At 925 AM EST, Doppler radar was tracking strong showers and thunderstorms along a line extending from near Lake Placid. Movement was northeast at 40 mph.HAZARD…Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include… Palm Bay, Melbourne, Port Orange, Titusville and Rockledge.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Conditions are favorable for the development of weak, brief funnel clouds. These types of funnel clouds are harmless, but on rare occasions they can briefly touch down, producing wind gusts over 50 mph. If a funnel cloud is spotted move indoors and report your sighting to the National Weather Service.
While tornadoes are not incredibly common in the area, they are always possible during an intense Florida storm. If you are visiting the Parks today, please make sure to always check the weather status on your phone if you can. Walt Disney World Cast Members will also keep Guests informed and get them to a safe place should a dangerous situation arise. Cast Members have been trained on how to best help Guests during storms, as they have had to enact emergency procedures in the past during dangerous hurricanes.
