Lighting in Orlando

[Buckleybunch]

Hi
Hubby and I were down at the world July 30th-August 5th..
Gosh was we very surprised with all the lighting.. and rain.
Air plane was 1/2 delayed 100 yrds from the gate because of lightining. Is the rain and lighting normal this time of the year? We have got to WDW in May, and the rain showers lasted 15 to 30 mins.. Not hours and hours and not with the lighting.. We didn't go to the parks while it was lighting, but do they keep the rides going?? Just wondering since they are so strict about the lighting.

Thanks
Linda

 

[tci1212]

Last yr we were on a ride in MK and when we came out, there was a bad lightning storm with torrential rains, we could see the bolts of lightning all around, and the cm made everyone go out into the rain, she said we could not stay inside at the exit. The inside attractions kept on going, everyone was running around looking for cover. This was the week after July 4th. I don't mind the rain, but the lightning was to bad to be outside.

 

[ZachnElli]

Yes, it's normal. Florida has a very high lightning strike count every year, one of the highest. That's why they are strict about the lightning. They close all outside rides when there is a storm with lightning around (splash mountain, BTMRR, test track, etc).

 

[Poohbear123]

We are known for our lightening! A Man not too far away from where I live, was struck and died Instantly. He was walking from his car to the house, WITH an Umbrella and he was struck. Whenever there is lightening, I go NO WHERE!

 

[wdwguide]

Orlando is the lightning capital of the world - heavy thunderstorms happen almost daily this time of the year.

 

[Dznefreek]

Orlando is the lightning capital of the world

Actually Polk County (Winterhaven/Lakeland area) is the lightning capital of the world.

 

[eeyoreforever]

I was really surprised at how many people continue to walk around with lighning striking all around. We head for cover at the first strike and don't come out until the lightning has quit. We were standing near the entrance at the Toon Town Tent during a really bad lightning/thunder storm and so many people were strolling about outside as if nothing was going on. I am scared to death of lightning and prefer to hide my head under the covers.

 

[DelitefulDory]

Originally posted by Dznefreek
Actually Polk County (Winterhaven/Lakeland area) is the lightning capital of the world.

lol...I always heard Florida in general is the lighning capital of the world. You guys can battle it out, it's not a title I'd want.

 

[wdwguide]

Originally posted by Dznefreek
Actually Polk County (Winterhaven/Lakeland area) is the lightning capital of the world.

Well yeah, but who outside Central Florida knows where that is

 

[DelitefulDory]

Just had to change my location description after this thread.

 

[jordgubben]

On a backstage tour the guide mentioned that Orlando has a very high rate of lightning strikes. She them pointed out a few of the many well disguised lightning rods all over the parks.

This being said, it's still safer to take cover during a lightning storm.

 

[Samirella]

One of those lightning rods was melted last week when the FoLK theater was hit. Shows were cancelled for the rest of the day.

 

[gshoemate]

Here's a pic from last week at AK. Theclouds just came out of no where. We were headed out of the park and it was nice and sunny, this was our view by time we got to the car.