16 days away & Isolated Thunderstorms?

[Porphyro]

Help me out here. I'm 16 days away from my trip to the Fort and the forecast looks like Isolated Thunderstorms/Scattered Thunderstorms heading up to that date. My wife, who admittedly has been to FL much more than I have, says that is normal and that they blow in and out quickly. I'm more skeptical and am worried that the vacation will be ruined. So, for all you seasoned Ft Wilderness campers, is that sort of forecast "normal" for the Fort, or am I looking at a potential wash out?

 

[AuburnJen92]

You are worrying for nothing really. Trust your wife here. As a Florida cracker, I can safely say that isolated (or what my son calls them isoloaded) thunderstorms are a way of life here. Pack a poncho and expect them. They do not last long and will not ruin a trip at all. They can last 5-15 minutes. We just plan around them when we go to the parks. Hell, we plan around them in every day life here. Have a wonderful time and don't let a couple of rain drops spoil your trip!

 

[motherwild]

I had friends that lived in FL that told me if you don't like the weather wait 5 min and it will change. I think you should be fine. just carry our rain gear with you. Relax and enjoy your trip

 

[Tri-circle-D]

I completely agree with what has already been posted. Isolated thunderstorms are normal at this time of year in Florida. They can be very intense, but they seldom last long.

I wanted to add that I was at the Fort this past weekend, and am pleased to report that the standing water that I previously saw in May and June has dissipated, and aside from a few scattered low areas, the Fort looks nice and dry.

TCD

 

[big kahuna1]

Just bring a portable oxygen tank as the humidity will suck the life out off ya after a storm. I think the recorded humidity yesterday was 37000%.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

I meant to mention that you should not underestimate thunder storms.

Thunder means lightning.

I have heard many people say that Florida is the lightning capital of the USA. I have even heard of the world.

I don't know if that is true or not, but according to this map, from the National Weather Service's website, Florida has had the most lightning fatalities to date in 2009:

Here's the link to the site where I found the map, if you wish to read more : http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/

I was at the Ft. Wilderness pool last Saturday when they made everyone exit the pool and pool deck because a storm was approaching. At the time, I thought it was a bit of overkill, as the storm was clearly a ways off. But, it is better to be safe than sorry.

TCD

 

[Mickey Mobile]

You are worrying for nothing really. Trust your wife here. As a Florida cracker, I can safely say that isolated (or what my son calls them isoloaded) thunderstorms are a way of life here. Pack a poncho and expect them. They do not last long and will not ruin a trip at all. They can last 5-15 minutes. We just plan around them when we go to the parks. Hell, we plan around them in every day life here. Have a wonderful time and don't let a couple of rain drops spoil your trip!

As a fellow Florida cracker I agree with Jen! I would also note that the normal passing showers tend to keep the high temps in check as this time of year can get hot. This is normal Florida weather. Enjoy your trip!

 

[AuburnJen92]

I was at the Ft. Wilderness pool last Saturday when they made everyone exit the pool and pool deck because a storm was approaching. At the time, I thought it was a bit of overkill, as the storm was clearly a ways off. But, it is better to be safe than sorry.

TCD

Having a local coach hit by lightning during a bright blue sky a couple of years ago in Brevard county, it is never to early to go inside for lightning when you hear thunder. That said, being as close to 20 feet from a pole being hit by lightning is no picnic either. Thank the Lord is was grounded because it was a softball light pole. My long hair was straight up in the air and my ears rang for an hour. Be safe and not sorry.

 

[♥Ariel♥]

i have lived in florida my entire life and i still live here and trust me they may be scattered but the last 10 minutes tops for the most parts. no offense to anyone but when we go my friends and i enjoy laughs at tourist who run for cover when we for for the short lines cause we know the time we get off the ride it will be over.

 

[des1954]

From May thru the end of September the daily Florida weather report goes as follows: Lows in the mid to upper 70's, highs in the lower to mid 90's, 50% chance of isolated thunder showers. With those predictions, the weatherman is always 100% correct!

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

From May thru the end of September the daily Florida weather report goes as follows: Lows in the mid to upper 70's, highs in the lower to mid 90's, 50% chance of isolated thunder showers. With those predictions, the weatherman is always 100% correct!

I've always thought I could make a fairly decent weatherwoman....
it just doesn't seem that hard...

"partly to mostly sunny with highs in the upper 80 to low 90s and a chance of rain..."

That oughta pretty much cover all summer here in MD. Now, wheres my paycheck?

 

[Born 2 Fish]

From my experience,, rain comes an goes quickly in Florida this time of year, almost daily (from my experience), So I agree with your wife.

SECONDLY, you can't possibly believe a weather forcast that is 16 dayz away DO YOU ???

 

[scot@dvcstore]

No reason to panic. As a 35 year resident of Central Florida, there are 2 things I will guarantee you on your vacation. It will be hot and humid and you will most likely get an hour of rain daily or at least every other day. Generally in the afternoon. Typical summer weather but it will not slow you down. Have a great vacation!

 

[PrincessNana]

We just spent 3 weeks at Fort Wilderness and it rained everyday but it didn't ruin our vacation. We put on our ponchos and kept on going. We hadn't seen rain in so long we weren't sure what that wet stuff was falling from the sky so we thoroughly enjoyed it. Tried to take it home with us, but it just wouldn't follow us. Although it gets steamy after a rain storm, we thought the temperature overall was alot cooler than normal for July. We had an 80 to 90 percent chance of rain everyday. Go to the fort and enjoy your vacation.

 

[SandrA9810]

As I tell guest frequently, you're going to be hot and wet with sweat or cool and wet with rain...

If you're camping in a tent, I'd suggest bringing along an extra tarp to throw over the top. I've had to prop up a towel on our last trip because of strizzles. But nothing to ruin the day.

It's florida, it rains, you get over it. But never take safety for granted. Florida thunderstorms can move very fast. I was at Aquatica one afternoon, I notice some dark clouds off in the distance, within a 1/2 hr it was over top and pouring down rain. Thankfully I decided to go ahead with my shower and leave, so I got to the car as the first drops started coming down. But I saw alot of people running for the bathrooms and lockers as I was leaving. No one seems to care 1/2hr ago when they should've.

 

[♥Ariel♥]

No reason to panic. As a 35 year resident of Central Florida, there are 2 things I will guarantee you on your vacation. It will be hot and humid and you will most likely get an hour of rain daily or at least every other day. Generally in the afternoon. Typical summer weather but it will not slow you down. Have a great vacation!

this is so true