driving conditions in tropical storm

[MommyRobin]

My sister and I are supposed to be leaving SW Ontario next weekend with the kids, driving down on the I75, and slated to be getting to WDW around noon on Monday (the 29th). I just read about Tropical Storm Harvey. I'm not panicking yet, since I know that conditions can really change and chances are there is nothing to worry about. Not to sound stupid, but exactly how/when do I gage if there is need to be concerned? Let's say that Harvey does end up hitting Florida. I know from reading on here that in WDW you are usually pretty sheltered (relatively speaking) from the really nasty storm system, being so far inland. But how does that make for driving conditions? Has anyone driven to or from Florida when a nasty storm system hit?

 

[msmayor]

Harvey is not even close to FL or tracking in that direction at all. Its very close to land in Central America and shouldn't threaten FL at all.

I wouldn't worry.

 

[MommyRobin]

Thank you for trying to ease my mind.

This is what got me thinking:

http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/article/watching-atlantic-tropical-system_2011-08-18

I know that the risk is low right now, but given the season, there's no guarantee that something else might start within the next point. I've never driven to Florida before, and on top of that, we don't experience hurricanes up here in Ontario. Therefore, I don't know when I'm over-reacting, or under-reacting in my concerns about driving down. So when do you say that the trip needs to be called off (not saying that my mind is even going there right now, just the threat got me thinking about possibilities)?

 

[pooch]

unless the weather report for the DAY YOU LEAVE says that Fl will take a direct hit on the day you arrive. I've been going to WDW during hurricane season for 6 years now and have never had a trip disrupted. Storm paths are SO unpredictable until a day or two out. Don't watch the weather reports, they'll only scare you unnecessarily. And if you follow the path listed in your link, that storm will be gone by Sat. If you MUST follow the weather, go to www.nhc.noaa.gov. The weather channel is the LAST place to get accurate information, way too sensationalistic. NOAA is the gov. weather site & much more matter-of-fact in their reporting.

Really, no worries

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

I have very specific information about driving during long, heavy rain storms. We apply Rain-X to our windshield routinely. The water beads up and just about rolls off the glass at 50mph. It also helps the windshield wipers work better.

Also--if you feel you may have to drive for a few continuous hours in the rain, and you have not replaced your wipers in a while, change them now. Between the new wipers and the Rain-X, your visibility will be the best it can be and you can focus on staying in your lane.

Also----the Rain-X on your windhshield makes it easier to remove dead bugs as well!

 

[Uncleromulus]

What Pooch says.
The Weather Channel, Accuweather, etc make a living trying to scare and panic folks so they'll watch their particular reports. And none are accurate more than 24 hours ahead of time--including NOAA.

 

[goofy4tink]

NO need to worry. Even if a TS turned into a hurricane, and you were driving south, from Canada, you would in all probability, not run into anything. These storms tend to hug the coastlines. Sure, there are times they get further inland, but not all that often. And if they do, it's most likely to be in the form of a rainstorm.
Go, don't worry. There is nothing going on out at sea that looks like it will threaten anything...especially Harvey. That one won't turn far enough east to be an issue.
I have been in Orlando when a major hurricane hit.....not a huge deal. The airport shut down about 3 hrs after we landed, we were at our resort all nice and snug. The next morning, it was all a memory.
If you are driving down, and a storm does head inland, and you are nervous about continuing on, just find a place to stay for that night.
It's just not worth the worry.

 

[MommyRobin]

Thank you so much for making me feel better! That's exactly what I needed to hear! The one good thing is that we just bought a brand new van, so everything is in top-performance condition. Fingers crossed it's a smooth drive!