Disney World prepares for possible storm disaster: millions are on high alert

Walt Disney World Resort and the entire state of Florida, including the east coast, are on high alert for the potential for a major hurricane to form next week, and as of this morning, millions of people are on high alert.

Disney World could be hit by a strong storm – millions of people are now on high alert

The second named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to form today or Saturday, just days before Independence Day on July 4. Forecasters expect it to quickly develop into the first hurricane of the season as it moves into the Caribbean. The storm, currently designated Invest 95L, will be named Beryl after it forms. Going forward, Beryl is expected to reach the Lesser Antilles by the end of the weekend, with its path depending on various factors.

Residents and visitors of Florida should remain vigilantas the storm could potentially affect Fourth of July plans. Invest 95L, a low pressure system about 1,500 miles east-southeast of the Leeward Islands, is becoming increasingly organized. Showers and thunderstorms are showing signs of organization, and a tropical depression or tropical storm is likely to form later today or Saturday.

Latest 10-day ensembles from EURO/GFS overnight on https://t.co/j6cXc9Fom0 (ending July 6/7). Solid assumption that we’ll be heading west over the next few days. We’ll be approaching the Caribbean this Sunday/Monday. Too far to be sure beyond that on direction/intensity. Some showing strong. Some weak.… pic.twitter.com/g0z0CQZ3wQ

— Mike’s Weather Page (@tropicalupdate) 27 June 2024

Latest nightly EURO/GFS 10-day ensembles on http://weathernerds.org (Ending on July 6/7). Westerly winds are expected over the next few days. Sunday/Monday we will approach the Caribbean. Beyond that it is too far to be certain about the course/intensity. Some will be strong, some will be weak. http://spaghettimodels.com

– @tropicalupdate on X

The storm is expected to move westward at 15 to 20 mph (24 to 32 km/h) and approach the Lesser Antilles by the weekend. Residents in the area should closely monitor the storm’s path. There is a 90 percent chance that a storm will form within 48 hours and in the next seven days. It is important to note that not all forecast models are the same; the Hurricane Center uses only the most powerful models in its forecasts.

“As we speak, the storm is becoming more organized and could become Tropical Storm Beryl later today or by tomorrow morning,” said Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather’s lead hurricane forecaster. DaSilva noted, “The official forecast is for a strong tropical storm to approach the Lesser Antilles by Monday. It could become a hurricane by then, and that possibility is of increasing concern to us.” Warm waters and decreasing wind shear as the storm moves west are favorable conditions for its development.

The storm could reach the central Caribbean by Tuesday or Wednesday, and its future path will depend on land interactions and a high pressure system over the southeastern United States. If the storm moves over Hispaniola or eastern Cuba, land and mountains could disrupt its circulation and cause it to weaken. However, those areas could still see significant rainfall. By July 4, the storm will likely become a hurricane in the western Caribbean, south of Cuba.

Code Red, 70% chance now. Here comes #Beryl #Tropics pic.twitter.com/7CVlD8OU3a

— Hurricane Tracker App (@hurrtrackerapp) 27 June 2024

Code Red, 70% chance now. Here comes #Beryl #Tropics

– @hurricanetrackerapp on X

“We need to watch for a high pressure system in the southeastern United States,” DaSilva explained. “If this system weakens, Beryl could be pulled north into the Gulf of Mexico or the Florida peninsula.” This scenario would mean possible impacts in Florida between July 5 and 7. If the high pressure system remains strong, the storm will likely move west toward the Yucatan and Mexico, with no significant impacts in the United States.

DaSilva stressed that Florida should not feel any impacts from Beryl on July 4, aside from typical summer thunderstorms. Long-term forecasts are subject to change due to evolving factors, but in a worst-case scenario, Beryl could impact Florida next weekend. The extent of the impact will depend on the storm’s interaction with land; less interaction could mean a more organized and stronger storm.

The most likely outcome is that Beryl moves west toward Mexico and misses Florida entirely. “We want people to be alert and aware and not be caught off guard,” DaSilva said. “We’re not raising any alarm bells and the holiday looks OK. Otherwise, just keep an eye on developments.” Disney parks will be making preparations in case this storm impacts the Disney holidays next week and the following weekend.

The Hurricane Tracker app tweeted Friday morning: “A hurricane named #Beryl is likely to move through the Windward Islands Monday morning into Tuesday morning. Data shows it will reach Category 1 with winds of 74-95 mph. All those interested in the Windward Islands should prepare for a hurricane. Upgrade will likely occur today (Friday, June 28).” Disney World will be watching closely as guests prepare for what could be the first storm of the season.