Hurricane Helene is now forecast to take aim at Florida's west coast as a catastrophic Category 4 Hurricane, and with severe weather expected throughout Central Florida, eaorld Orlando has issues an operations update.
Hurricane Helene continues to rapidly intensify in the Gulf of Mexico, where it’s now expected to become a Category 4 hurricane ahead of an expected landfall along the Florida Gulf Coast on Thursday.
Here in East Central Florida we are being told to expect severe weather, with conditions in the area deteriorating late tonight, Wednesday and Thursday, with severe weather expected, including the possibilities of tornados.
In advance of the severe weather, SeaWorld Orlando has issued an operations update.
SeaWorld are assuring guests that precautions are in place following the park’s comprehensive weather preparedness plan to ensure the safety of all animals and ambassadors during this time.
The park will continue to monitor the storm and guests are encouraged to check back for updates.
Following the latest updates on Hurricane Helene, here is the latest information on each parks:
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando will remain open as scheduled. Stay tuned for any additional updates.
Aquatica Orlando
Aquatica Orlando Water Park will be closed on Thursday, September 26. Normal operations will resume on Friday, September 27.
All date-intended tickets for closure days have been extended through September 30, 2024 and requires no action to be taken.
Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove will be closed on Thursday, September 26. Normal operations will resume on Friday, September 27.
The Guest Services team is prepared to assist you with shifting your date to a surrounding date., you should email dco-guestrelations@discoverycove.com. Include your reservation number and “Hurricane rebooking” in the subject line of the email.
The impacts of the storm are expected to bring severe weather to all of Central Florida with schools, colleges and universities closed on Thursday.
Many of the area attractions are also set to close Thursday. Also, many events are being cancelled or postponed.
Transport is expected to be another issue, with airports including Orlando International Airport expecting severe delays and multiple flight cancelations. All major U.S. Airlines have already issued travel advisories.
Here is a detailed look at some of the potential impacts from Helene across East Central Florida.
Gusty winds are likely tomorrow, along with locally heavy rain. There is also a risk for tornadoes beginning late tonight through tomorrow.
With a major hurricane set to slam Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 61 of the state's 67 counties, with Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie in charge of the state's response, including coordinating efforts with utility companies, neighboring states and the federal government.
The State of Emergency allows state officials to make resources available to communities ahead of any potential storm impacts. DeSantis' has also activated the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard, ahead of severe impacts throughout the state.
The State of Emergency includes:
Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington Counties.
The goveor urged residents to prepare now, "Prepare. You have time to do it. There's a lot of uncertainty with this storm. But the one thing that is certain is we are gonna see some impacts."
Tropical Storm Helene is a massive storm and is expected to bring wind gusts up to 50 - 60 mph throughout Central Florida, this will be joined by up to 6" of rain leading to localized flooding.
Currently Central Florida is not within the storms cone, but remember, the cone of uncertainty only accounts for where the center of the storm is forecast. However, this will be a very large storm and effects are expected well outside of the cone, with Central Florida on the dirty side of the storm.
Ahead of severe weather rolling into Central Florida, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings across the state.
A Tropical Storm Warning now in effect for all of East Central Florida including Orange, Seminole, Lake, and Osceola Counties, which includes Greater Orlando, and all the major tourism areas including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.
On the west coast, a Hurricane Warning has been issued from Anclote River to Mexico Beach, with a tropical storm warning issued for the Middle Florida Keys from the Seven Mile Bridge to the Channel 5 Bridge.
A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the Gulf coast of Florida from Flamingo northward to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay, and west of Mexico Beach to the Walton/Bay County Line.
A tropical storm watch is in effect for Lake Okeechobee and Palm Beach/Martin County Line northward to the Savannah River.
A Storm Surge Warning has been issued from Flamingo to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.
As this dangerous storm progresses we will keep you updated with the latest news, information, and updates throughout Central Florida. Stay safe!
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