The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued its 2pm advisory on Hurricane Milton. The storm has been a tropical storm thus far but has now strengthened into a hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 80mph. Additionally, Walt Disney World has issued its first statement about Hurricane Milton. Here’s the latest:
Walt Disney World Statement on Hurricane Milton
Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members.
We’ve noticed that Walt Disney World has made some operational adjustments already, suggesting that there will be closures and/or cancelations related to Hurricane Milton. Yesterday, Walt Disney World imposed restrictions on new hotel reservations, prohibiting any new reservations that include Oct. 9th or Oct. 10th.
Today, Walt Disney World blocked new theme park reservations for Oct. 9th. It is expected that Walt Disney World will make another statement either today or tomorrow with further operational adjustments. We would not be surprised if Walt Disney World modified theme park hours or closed the parks outright depending on the path that Hurricane Milton ultimately takes as it cuts across Florida in a few days.
Hurricane Milton Forms
Milton is moving toward the east near 6 mph (9 km/h), and this general motion is expected today. An eastward to east-northeastward motion is forecast on Monday, followed by a faster northeastward motion on Tuesday and Wednesday. On the forecast track, Milton is forecast to move north of the Yucatan Peninsula and to move across the Gulf of Mexico and approach the west coast of the Florida Peninsula by midweek.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 80 mph (130 km/h) with higher gusts. Milton is forecast to rapidly intensify during the next couple of days and become a major hurricane on Monday.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 20 miles (30 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles (130 km) from the center.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!