Storm Strengthens to Hurricane Ian As It Nears Florida

Tropical Storm Ian has officially become a hurricane.

Stormy Weather

We’ve been watching for updates on this storm for several days now, as Orlando and much of Florida remain in the cone of uncertainty. We’ve shared updates on what Disney is doing to prepare for the storm, changes made at the Orlando Airport in anticipation of the storm, and what you need to know if you’ll be cruising during hurricane season. Here’s the latest update and what you need to know.

As of September 26th, what was tropical storm Ian has officially become Hurricane Ian. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) posted their 5AM update. As of that update, they noted that “considerable flooding impacts are possible later this week in west central Florida.” They also shared that additional flash or urban flooding, and flooding on rivers, across the Florida peninsula, could not be ruled out for later in the week.

Ian is expected to be a major hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico and, regardless of its exact track, there is a risk for “life-threatening storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and heavy rainfall along the west coast of Florida and the Florida panhandle by the middle of this week.”

©NOAA

Just before 7AM, the update below was posted showing a model that forecasts Hurricane Ian sitting just off the west coast of Florida for several days.

Look at this- the GFS model is showing Hurricane Ian siting off the west coast of Florida for days…

Wed-Fri AM.

Ugh. pic.twitter.com/NpTUCwsEbF

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) September 26, 2022

 

 

 

Eric Burris of WESH 2 News also shared an image predicting when tropical storm force winds could start in the outer bands. For Orlando, it appears that tropical storm winds could arrive Wednesday evening.

Thus far, Lake County (a county in central Florida) has announced that there will be no school on Wednesday and Thursday due to the expected impacts of the storm. There has been no update from other counties as of yet, according to WESH 2 News.

When do tropical storm force winds start in the outer bands?

This is when the storms impacts will be starting across the peninsula… pic.twitter.com/E6IwbNTsyh

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) September 26, 2022

 

 

 

Of course, things are subject to change. There is still quite a bit of uncertainty with this storm and what its exact path will be. Hurricane Ian is now over the highest area of “tropical cyclone heat potential” in the Atlantic basin and thus is expected to intensify rapidly.

Why is Hurricane Ian intensifying so quickly? It's now over the highest area of 'tropical cyclone heat potential' in the entire Atlantic basin.

That means that not only will it continue firing up… but it should continue rapidly intensifying… pic.twitter.com/4LUbFpdlW8

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) September 26, 2022

 

 

For now, it’s important to prepare for the potential impact and make sure you’re ready to make adjustments if the storm does affect your trip. Do you have raincoats and rain shoes packed? Do you have a few cardgames or other activities to fill your time if you end up stuck at your hotel for a bit?

Thus far, Disney has not announced any closures in advance of the storm. However, more updates could be made within the next few days.

Ian is expected to strengthen today, and the main impacts are expected to be felt Wednesday through Thursday in the Central Florida area.

Weather today is NORMAL- but we do need to be getting our homes secured for a storm.

Here's the timeline over the next few days… pic.twitter.com/aXH5udjtAc

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) September 26, 2022

 

 

For more information click here to see our full post about what Disney is doing to prepare, or click here to get our list of everything you need to know about going to Disney World during hurricane season.

Stay tuned for more information.

What to do if you’re going to Disney World during Hurricane Ian

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