If you’re heading to Disney World soon, you may be checking general weather forecasts right about now. If you’ve turned on the news or looked at weather updates recently, you may have heard about Hurricane Fiona.

It is hurricane season right now and hurricane season will last through November 30th. So that might have you wondering whether Hurricane Fiona will impact your Disney World trip in any way? We’ve got the latest updates here.

First, we just want to make a quick disclaimer that the post below is based on current information as of the latest updates to this post. Situations with hurricanes, storms, and weather, in general, can change a lot and can change rapidly. We will work to keep this post updated. Just bear in mind that everything is subject to change.

As of right now, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Hurricane Center are tracking a few disturbances, including Hurricane Fiona.

The current cone for Hurricane Fiona shows its probable path taking it away from the United States and a little further to the east. Much of its path is expected to be over the ocean. As of right now, the track does NOT show it heading to or landing in Florida.

Puerto Rico was severely impacted by the storm and life-threatening flooding is expected through tonight (September 19th). Life-threatening flash flooding is likely for parts of the Dominican Republic through early in the day on September 20th.

Hurricane Fiona is then expected to strengthen after moving away from these places. Hurricane conditions are expected in Turks and Caicos, and tropical storm conditions could impact the southeastern Bahamas.

Here’s a look at the 2PM intermediate advisory from September 19th.

The 2pm intermediate advisory for #Fiona has been issued; Here's the latest on position and intensity… pic.twitter.com/Cjp9idn1Op

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) September 19, 2022

 

Just because Hurricane Fiona is not expected to head directly to Florida or make landfall in the state, that doesn’t mean Florida will escape all impacts from the storm.

The storm could impact those on U.S. beaches. FOX 35 Orlando points out that as Fiona intensifies in the ocean, its winds will push water against the East Coast. That is expected to result in “dangerously high surf” at the beaches this week. There would be surf levels as high as 5-7 feet along the Atlantic coast in Florida.

Additionally, the risk for rip currents will be at the highest level. So if you were planning on adding a beach trip to your Disney vacation, act with caution. Swimming will be dangerous and the rip current risk will be life-threatening. FOX 35 News says that if you go in the water, don’t swim alone and make sure you swim close to a lifeguard.

The rip current risk will be at its highest on Wednesday through the weekend. The surf is expected to decrease late on Sunday.

While it appears that (for now) Florida will not be directly impacted by Hurricane Fiona, it will be indirectly impacted by an increase in that swell, high wave heights, and dangerous rip currents.

Disney World is not located on either of Florida’s coasts, so these waves and rip current risks won’t necessarily apply to it. Since the park is in the central part of the state, those beach warnings aren’t really a concern, but it’s still something to be aware of in case you were planning a beach trip add-on to your Disney vacation.

How else could Florida be impacted? FOX 35 Orlando notes that Florida will also experience a “change in moisture” due to the storm. A lot of the tropical air mass that had been over Florida will be carried out to sea with Hurricane Fiona, so the state will be “left a bit drier as we head into the start of fall.”

In terms of a general weather forecast for the Orlando area, meteorologist Eric Burris Tweeted the following photo showing the 7-day forecast.

Right in time for the first day of fall, our rain chances come down!

Here's a look at our 7 day forecast.

I'm heading in to the office shortly to update things… Let's make it a great one! pic.twitter.com/sf3AZdVFwq

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) September 19, 2022

Weather.com shows a somewhat similar outlook. On Tuesday and Wednesday, scattered thunderstorms are predicted with high temperatures near 90 degrees. On Thursday and Friday, however, mostly sunny weather is expected, with highs reaching just past 90 degrees. Then, the highs go down ever so slightly on the weekend as some showers and clouds move in.

While it seems like Hurricane Fiona is headed down a path that likely won’t impact Florida directly, the presence of this hurricane is a good reminder that Florida is still in hurricane season for a little while longer.

Hurricane season will continue through November 30th. Click here to see and bookmark our post which we regularly update with hurricane information.

We have seen our fair share of rainy days and severe weather in Disney World, and it’s something you’ll want to be prepared for even if a hurricane isn’t headed near the Most Magical Place on Earth.

Florida storms can bring flooding to the Disney parks (including INSIDE Disney’s stores sometimes) and flood advisories are sometimes issued.

Note that bad weather can also impact flights and lead to delays or cancelations, close down certain rides in the parks, and close down certain forms of transportation — like the Disney Skyliner.

At times, tornado warnings or watches may be put in effect for Disney World (or parts of it) — a funnel cloud was even spotted near EPCOT recently. 

In other words, don’t take the weather situation and the fact that Hurricane Fiona isn’t currently projected to directly impact Florida for granted. Florida can have some severe weather on its own (without the help of a hurricane) and you’ll need to be prepared.

Here are a few resources to get you prepared for the weather at Disney World:

• 14 Amazon essentials to survive rainy days in Disney World
• 8 things you’ll regret not having with you when it rains in Disney World
• See what happens when Disney World floods
• Learn about the most extreme weather ever seen at Disney World
• How to stay cool in Disney World and beat the heat

Stay tuned for more planning tips!

Have you been to Disney World during a bad storm? Tell us in the comments.