Katrina's Here!

[Feralpeg]

We are just feeling the first feeder band from Katrina in the Orlando area. I live about 10 minutes from WDW. The wind has picked up to about 30 mph and we are getting rain. It looks like the next couple of days are going to be pretty yucky!

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

Is it still just a tropical storm or has it been upgraded? What are the predictions?

Man, I'm glad we're not going to be down there. That would suck.

 

[Feralpeg]

It is still a tropical storm, but winds are now up to 65mph. They expect it to be a category 1 hurricane when it makes landfall.

 

[boomhauer]

It is still a tropical storm, but winds are now up to 65mph. They expect it to be a category 1 hurricane when it makes landfall.

\

I thought it wasn't supposed to land until tonight, and was supposed to be way south.

 

[Bob P]

That's correct, but the rain bands stretch out for hundreds of miles.

 

[boomhauer]

That's correct, but the rain bands stretch out for hundreds of miles.

So, does this mean if the winds pick up, if they stretch out that far, they could end up closing the parks?

 

[rluvsd77]

So what do you think I will expect going down on Saturday til Wednesday for a vacation.

 

[Bob P]

There's no way to know for sure but it should be out of the Orlando area by Saturday night or Sunday if current projections hold.

Orlando may see some soaking rains and strong winds, but nothing like last year.

 

[hiwaygal]

It is still a tropical storm, but winds are now up to 65mph. They expect it to be a category 1 hurricane when it makes landfall.

Take care down there!!!

Keep your hatches battened!

 

[Bob P]

(deleted)

 

[Bob P]

So, does this mean if the winds pick up, if they stretch out that far, they could end up closing the parks?

I doubt it.

Unless this storm slows down and strenghtens substantially (and unexpectedly) all WDW will have is some heave rain and gusty winds.

Remember, last year was an exception. In the 33 years WDW had been open prior to 2004, the parks were closed due to hurricanes for one day.


Bob

 

[Feralpeg]

So, does this mean if the winds pick up, if they stretch out that far, they could end up closing the parks?

They won't close the parks. We should get winds in the Orlando are of 30 to 35 mph, with an occassional gust to 50 mph. We could also get about 3 inches of rain. If Katrina should happen to wrap north sooner, we could get more rain.

 

[Handbag Lady]

Um, yeah. We arrive on Saturday. By plane. How scary is this and can someone reassure this "very used to earthquakes" girl that it will be okay?

 

[wendypooh]

You guys take care down there!!! I hope it doesn't do any damage or harm, and doesn't ruin anyone's time on vacation!!

 

[crow11ad]

If you read what others have posted from last year, some say it was the best time. No one was in the parks and they had it to themselves. But regardless, be safe...

 

[patsal]

Take care and be careful!

 

[StephaBabe50]

We are flying out tomorrow morning and are scheduled to land in Orlando around 10:30 a.m. Does anyone know if this will even be possible?

 

[Bob P]

You'll have to check with your airline when you wake up tomorrow morning. No way of knowing now.

Good luck!

Bob

 

[nhpooh]

They won't close the parks. We should get winds in the Orlando are of 30 to 35 mph, with an occassional gust to 50 mph. We could also get about 3 inches of rain. If Katrina should happen to wrap north sooner, we could get more rain.

Take care everyone, and good luck. I will be thinking of you all.

 

[ufgator]

I'm in southeast Boca Raton right now. We're getting some gusts right now, maybe 30 mph or more, not too bad. But the gusts are starting to come a little more frequently. We've done everything and now we're just waiting and hoping it passes through quickly. They said on the news the center is about 30 miles offshore.

We went the the beach around noon today. Waves were about 5-6 feet, and there were a lot of surfers on the beach.

Take care everyone.