Here we go again

Yes, a new Tropical Storm is projected to hit Florida. I’m not particularly worried yet as we have another two days before we get an accurate read on where this system is going (by which time train and plane reservations will be jacked up past the damned moon).

This, however, won’t stop the local media from going into full fledged panic mode…. until the storm inevitably steers offshore at the last second.

 

Note: I was supposed to spend Sun-Thurs on Disney property. This trip may be postponed until NEXT weekend, which is just as well as they have somehow not lifted the “Blockout Dates” for the Florida Resident Pass (assuming they decide to honor it all as it technically expired in April).

Hurricane Dorian approaches

The National Hurricane Center’s 8pm update shows the storm veering slightly further east than earlier reports indicated, but still shows Orlando within the “Cone of Uncertainty.” Thankfully, the chances of Dorian making landfall in Florida are getting smaller with each update.

However, a “Tropical Storm Watch” has been issued for the east coast of Florida from Deerfield Beach to Sebastian Inlet with the possibility of more being issued as the storm gets closer to the mainline with parts of the state expecting heavy rains (up to a 12” in places), high surf – especially with the “king tide” in effect – and strong gusty winds from Sunday night into Tues or Wed. There will be substantial damage, but probably not as much as initially predicted.

Hurricane Dorian preperations

The NHC’s 8am update shows the storm making a “J” shape across Central Florida with the eye crossing directly over Orlando on Wednesday evening.

Many grocery stores run out of water/other food supplies, while many gas stations along the Space Coast report shortages. Schools across Florida are pre-emptively closed on Tuesday (as many will be used as emergency shelters).

Also, while most of Disney World is currently expected to remain open (except the water parks, Copper Creek Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, the cabins at Fort Wilderness, the overwater bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village, the Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs, and any events at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports), all flights in/out of MCO have been cancelled until further notice, ditto all Amtrak trains south of Jacksonville (I was thinking they would run MORE trains to ensure the maximum number of people can evacuate – especially since landfall isn’t expected until TUESDAY).

Which effectively means I’m stuck here until the storm passes whether I want to be or not (spoiler alert: I don’t. I was planning on taking Amtrak up north on Saturday) as all residential amenities (pool, gym, leasing office, etc.) here at Sea Isle Resort Apartments will close as of 5pm Saturday with mandatory “balcony safety inspections” on Sunday.

Thankfully, as of their 5pm update, the NHC shows the storm hugging the coast all the way from Vero Beach up to Savanna. Orlando is safe… or is it?