Severe Weather Hits Central Florida as Tropical Storm Debby Makes Landfall

Overnight, Hurricane Debby strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane and made landfall in the Florida Big Bend Region.

The storm has since weakened but is still expected to bring severe weather to the Southeastern United States.

Orlando area theme parks including Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld are operating with normal operating hours as the area experiences wind and rain.

A Tropical Storm warning is in effect for the area through 1:30PM and a Wind Advisory is in effect until 7PM on August 5th. Thousands of households across Florida are without power at the storm continues it path up the country. As well, many officials are warning of the potential of flooding as the storm brings large amounts of rain. The Orlando area will be seeing rain, but likely only within the 1-4 inch range.

A Tornado Watch is also in effect until 4PM on August 5th and a Tornado Warning was issued at 8:55AM this morning when a rotation was seen on radar over the Bay Lake area of Disney World. The Tornado Watch was in effect until 9:15AM and has since expired, but it is important to pay attention to advisories, warnings, and watches as the severe weather continues to move through the area.

A tornado warning is in effect in Orange County this morning until 9:15 AM. Rotation was seen on radar over Bay Lake. Recommended action per the weather alert is to take shelter in place in an interior room away from windows. pic.twitter.com/SmabMSoX8w

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) August 5, 2024

After making landfall in the Florida Big Bend Region, Hurricane Debby was downgraded to a tropical storm on Monday afternoon. However, the storm is still expected to bring strong winds and large amounts of rain to the Southeastern United States.

Even though rain and wind will continue to be in the Central Florida area for most of the day on Monday, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun day if you are heading into the parks. Make sure to bring your rain gear, an extra pair of shoes, some patience, and a positive attitude.

Often there are lower crowd levels in the parks when it is rainy which means you can take advantage of lower wait times. Be prepared that some attractions may not be operating due to the weather and some entertainment may need to be modified or canceled. However, there is still so much to see and do, and you really can have a great day if you are willing to get a bit wet.

Of course, make sure you are staying safe and paying attention to forecasts. Be careful when traveling and always listen to employee instructions. Rainy days can be lots of fun if you go into them with the right attitude!

We hope everyone stays safe as Hurricane Debby makes it way across Florida and into Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Stay tuned to AllEars for more theme parks new and updates.

Check out some of our essentials for surviving hurricane season at Disney World!

Are you headed to the theme parks today? Let us know in the comments!