It’s officially hurricane season, and you know what that means.
We try to stay up to date on potential tropical storms and hurricanes headed toward Florida. We’ve been at Disney World during several hurricanes, and we’ve told you how to prepare for hurricane season at the resort. Well, now we’ve got a tropical storm to keep an eye on, and so far, 33 Florida counties are now under a state of emergency due to the weather.
UPDATE: Idalia has strengthened to a hurricane, and now 49 counties are under a state of emergency (as of August 29th at 12PM EST). Here is the updated list according to ClickOrlando:
- Alachua County
- Baker County
- Bay County
- Bradford County
- Brevard County
- Calhoun County
- Charlotte County
- Citrus County
- Clay County
- Collier County
- Columbia County
- DeSoto County
- Dixie County
- Duval County
- Flagler County
- Franklin County
- Gadsden County
- Gilchrist County
- Gulf County
- Hamilton County
- Hardee County
- Hernando County
- Hillsborough County
- Jefferson County
- Lafayette County
- Lake County
- Lee County
- Leon County
- Levy County
- Liberty County
- Madison County
- Manatee County
- Marion County
- Nassau County
- Orange County
- Osceola County
- Pasco County
- Pinellas County
- Polk County
- Putnam County
- Sarasota County
- Seminole County
- St. Johns County
- Sumter County
- Suwannee County
- Taylor County
- Union County
- Volusia County
- Wakulla County
Note that both Orange and Osceola counties are included, which is where Disney World is located.
As of 10AM on August 27th, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been tracking a storm that just strengthened into a Tropical Storm. This storm is named Idalia, and the NOAA recommends that those in Florida stay updated on it. This tropical storm could result in storm surges and hurricane watches in the state.
10AM CDT 27 Aug: @NOAA_HurrHunter data shows TD-10 has strengthened to Tropical Storm #Idalia Interests in Florida need to stay up to date with the latest at https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ Storm Surge and hurricane watches may be need later today. Have your hurricane plan in place! pic.twitter.com/qySzomqYWh
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 27, 2023
UPDATE: As of 5PM EST on August 27th, the National Hurricane Center has issued a Hurricane Watch for the west coast of Florida from Tampa to the Florida Panhandle. Residents are advised to monitor the forecast and follow the advice of local officials.

©NOAA
UPDATE: As of the Monday, August 28th, 4AM CT advisory, Idalia is forecast to become a major hurricane before reaching Florida’s Gulf Coast. Storm surge and hurricane watches are in effect for parts of the West Coast.
Ahead of the tropical storm’s arrival in the U.S., Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a state of emergency for 33 counties in the state in preparation for the tropical storm. This is to give those communities time to prepare when it arrives next week.
I’ve signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency for 33 counties in preparation for Invest 93L. Issuing this order today ensures communities have time to prepare for the storm system which could have impacts along the Gulf Coast next week.
Floridians should have a…
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 26, 2023
- Alachua
- Bay
- Calhoun
- Charlotte
- Citrus
- Columbia
- DeSoto
- Dixie
- Franklin
- Gadsden
- Gilchrist
- Gulf
- Hamilton
- Hardee
- Hernando
- Hillsborough
- Jefferson
- Lafayette
- Lee
- Leon
- Levy
- Liberty
- Madison
- Manatee
- Marion
- Pasco
- Pinellas
- Polk
- Sarasota
- Sumter
- Suwannee
- Taylor
- Wakulla
Note that neither Orange nor Osceola Counties, where Disney World resides, are affected yet, but it’s good to keep an eye out for more information anytime this kind of weather is headed toward the state. Storms can quickly change, so we always recommend checking the latest news about storms when they’re on their way.
We’ll also keep you updated on how this may or may not impact Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
TRENDING NOW
Disney and Starbucks have once again joined forces to launch new mugs to their Discovery...
Check out this brand-new Bluey collection at H&M!
A favorite Disney World perk is returning to Disney's Animal Kingdom soon and we're bringing...
A NEW entertainment offering is coming to Disney Springs soon!
If you break this rule, you could be temporarily BANNED from Disneyland.
How to join Indy on stage!
Disney revealed the name and story details of the new pirates-themed lounge coming to Adventureland...
A new Disney Loungefly collection inspired by Sleeping Beauty just debuted online, and you're NOT gonna...
Disney adults -- you have to see these items on sale on Amazon!
Looking for a great spot to eat in Magic Kingdom? These are the three restaurants...
A recent project was just completed on Interstate 4 in Orlando that could make getting...
Fans of the Disney Dining Plan will want to sit down for this EPCOT news...
We tried TWO new items at Everything POP at Disney's Pop Century Resort, and while...
If you've been eying a new Loungefly bag, this sale is perfect for you!
Watch out, these Minnie ears may disappear faster than the speed of light!
Mother's Day is quickly approaching! Need a last-minute gift? We've got you covered!
Make sure you follow these rules if you ever visit Disneyland's Club 33!
These perks make staying at a Disney Hotel extra worth it.
Some of the popular styles of up to 1/2 OFF!
New Aldi stores are coming to the Central Florida area this year!