A Hurricane Watch is now in effect for the Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando areas ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall this week, as it approaches Category 5 strength.

Hurricane Watch in Effect for Disney and Universal

With the 11 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the projected cone for Hurricane Milton has shifted north, with the storm expected to make landfall Wednesday evening.

Per WESH 2, a Hurricane Watch is currently in effect for Sumter County, Polk County, Lake County, Osceola County, Orange County, Seminole County, and Marion County. Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort reside in Orange County.

According to the NHC, a Hurricane Watch means that “hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area.” Watches are normally issued 48 hours ahead of the first anticipated occurrence of tropical storm-force winds. At this time, maximum sustained winds have increased to nearly 155 miles per hour with higher gusts. Hurricane Milton is forecast to become a Category 5 hurricane later today and become a large hurricane over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

At this time, neither Walt Disney World nor Universal Orlando Resort have made any announcements regarding closures for the storm. Stay tuned for more operational updates.

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The post Hurricane Watch Issued for Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, Milton Forecast to Become Category 5 Storm appeared first on WDW News Today.