News

Latest Update: Wednesday 28th August 12:00 (BST)

As per the latest update from the National Hurricane Center, it has been reported that Tropical Depression 10 has now developed into a Hurricane named Idalia. As expected the storm has intensified into a hurricane and is still expected to make landfall in around midday UK Time on the 30th August.

Latest on Hurricane Idalia:

The National Hurricane Center has issued the 5 a.m. advisory regarding Hurricane Idalia, which is headed towards Florida. The latest update confirms that the storm is now a Major Category 4 Storm. Additionally, there is potential for it to intensify further before making landfall along the coast of Florida's Big Bend region. This region can expect catastrophic storm surge and destructive winds. As of now, the hurricane is located 60 miles west of Cedar Key and roughly 90 miles south of Tallahassee. It has maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.

Tampa Bay may experience storm surges that may rise to 12 to 16 feet above ground level, making it the main area of concern. Max wind gusts of approximately 60mph are expected, and a few tornados may be possible overnight into Wednesday. The region may receive between 1 to 4 inches of rain, with some places potentially seeing more.

For Orlando to Melbourne, sustained wind is anticipated to reach between 25 to 35mph, with gusts of around 45mph possible. There may be a few tornados possible overnight into Wednesday. Over the next few days, an estimated 1-3 inches of rain can be expected.

Latest Charts from The National Hurricane Center

Airports / Airline Updates:

Here is the latest travel information we've obtained. Please check with your airline in the first instance if you're travelling over the next 5 days:‍

Airlines:

Virgin Atlantic (VS):

No Disruption Reported

British Airways (BA):

No Disruption Reported

Norse Atlantic Airways (Z0):

No Disruption Reported

TUI Airways (TOM):

No Disruption Reported

Aer Lingus (EI):

No Disruption Reported

Airports: 

Tampa Airport (TPA):

Tampa Airport will closed at 00:01 (EST) / 05:01 (BST) on Tuesday to all Flights. The Airport will continually monitor the conditions and will reopen when safely able to. do so which is expected to be Thursday Morning. Virgin Atlantic's flight to Tampa has been cancelled today and British Airways flight BA2167 will arrive into MCO instead of TPA.

Orlando International Airport (MCO): 

Orlando International (MCO) remains open as usual. However, passengers who have connecting flights via the United States may experience disruptions, as flights may be re-routed or cancelled with little notice.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB):

No Major Updates

Miami International Airport (MIA):

No Major Updates

Theme Park Updates:

The current park changes are as follows

Walt Disney World:

‍Typhoon Lagoon, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will be closed on Wednesday (30/08)

SeaWorld:

Busch Gardens, Adventure Island and Aquatica will be closed on the 30th August 2023. SeaWorld will open at Midday.

Universal Orlando Resort:

‍All Parks will open at normal opening time on Wednesday. However the park will not open early for Resort Guests.

Useful Links:

Below we have added links to official sources of information to aid your plans if a Hurricane is due in Florida Immenitently:

National Hurricane Center Updates (NOAA):

TROPICAL STORM IDALIA (noaa.gov)

Walt Disney World Updates:

‍Weather Updates & Information | Walt Disney World Resort

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

‍Preparing for a Hurricane or Other Tropical Storm | Hurricanes (cdc.gov)

Useful Information

Here is some information about hurricane categories and types of alerts to help with your planning.

Hurricane Categories

Over time, the hurricane category scale has undergone changes. However, the current version only takes into account the wind speeds generated by a hurricane. Therefore, the assigned category of a hurricane won't provide information about the possibility of flooding or tornadoes. Nevertheless, it can provide insight into the hurricane's strength and the level of danger it poses.

Category 1: Very dangerous winds will produce some damage

During a Category 1 hurricane, wind speeds range from 74 to 95 mph. It's important to be aware that falling debris poses a risk to individuals, as well as livestock and pets. Older mobile homes may not withstand the force of the hurricane, while protected glass windows typically remain intact. Frame homes, apartments, and shopping centres may experience some degree of damage during the storm. Additionally, power outages may occur due to snapped power lines.

Category 2: Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage

During a Category 2 hurricane, winds typically reach speeds between 96 and 110 mph. Flying debris poses a greater risk of injury or death to people, livestock, and pets. Older mobile homes are likely to be destroyed, and even newer ones can suffer damage from debris. Frame homes, apartment buildings, and shopping centres may sustain significant damage to their roofs and siding, while many trees may be uprooted. In the aftermath of a Category 2 hurricane, residents and visitors should expect prolonged power outages lasting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Category 3: Devastating damage will occur

During a Category 3 hurricane, winds can reach speeds of 111 to 129 mph, posing a significant danger to people, livestock, and pets due to flying and falling debris. Older mobile homes are at high risk of being destroyed, while newer ones may suffer severe damage. Even well-constructed frame homes, apartments and industrial buildings are likely to experience major damage, and roads may become blocked due to uprooted trees. Electricity and water supplies may be unavailable for several days to a few weeks after the storm.

Category 4: Catastrophic damage will occur

When a Category 4 hurricane hits, wind speeds can range from 130 to 156 mph. This poses a significant danger to people, pets, and livestock due to the risk of falling or flying debris. Even newer mobile homes are likely to be destroyed, while some frame homes may collapse entirely. Well-built homes may experience severe roof damage, and apartment buildings may suffer damage to their upper floors. It's essential to take precautions and stay safe during such a dangerous weather event.

Category 5: Catastrophic damage will occur

During a Category 5 hurricane, which is the most severe type of hurricane, wind speeds reach 157 mph or more. This poses a serious risk to people, livestock, and pets as they can be harmed by flying debris, even when they are indoors. A majority of mobile homes will completely collapse and a significant number of frame homes will also be destroyed. Commercial structures with wooden roofs will suffer significant damage, metallic buildings may collapse, and high-rise windows will mostly be blown out.

Hurricane Alerts

Listen for National Weather Service alerts on TV or radio or check for them online. There are two kinds of alerts:

Hurricane Watch

Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 miles per hour [mph] or higher) are possible in a stated area. Experts announce hurricane watches 48 hours before they expect tropical-storm-force winds (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) to start.

Hurricane Warning

Is more serious. It means hurricane-force winds are expected in a stated area. Experts issue these warnings 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected in the area to give people enough time to prepare for the storm.

Storm Surge Alerts

As with Hurricane Alerts there are two types of alerts to look out for:

Storm Surge Watch:

A storm surge watch is defined as the possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somwhere within the specified area, generally within 48 hours, in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. The watch may be issued earlier when other conditions, such as the onset of tropical storm-force winds, are expected to limit the time available to take protective actions for surge (e.g., evacuations). The watch may also be issued for locations not expected to receive life-threatening inundation, but which could potentially be isolated by inundation in adjacent areas.

Storm Surge Warning:

‍A storm surge warning is defined as the danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 36 hours, in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. The warning may be issued earlier when other conditions, such as the onset of tropical storm-force winds, are expected to limit the time available to take protective actions for surge (e.g., evacuations). The warning may also be issued for locations not expected to receive life-threatening inundation, but which could potentially be isolated by inundation in adjacent areas.‍