Warning: Tropical Storm Erika could bring severe weather to the theme park areas next week...
The impact to Central Florida remains unclear, with the exact path of the storm to still be determined.
At 800 AM AST (1200 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Erika was located near latitude 16.2 North, longitude 56.8 West. Erika is moving toward the west near 17 mph (28 km/h), and a west to west-northwestward motion is expected over the next 48 hours. On the forecast track, the center of Erika will move near or over portions of the Leeward Islands tonight and move near the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Thursday.
Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that the maximum sustained winds have increased to near 45 mph (75 km/h) with higher gusts. Some slow strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.
Tropical Storms are normal in Florida, and everyone knows what to do. Be sure to stay alert to the news on TV and Radio for the latest on the developing storms, and take advice from professionals, cast members and locals.
In August 2012, Tropical Storm Issac hit the theme park areas and effects were only long periods of rainfall and strong winds. Parks were closed and had delayed openings back in 2005 due to tropical storms. Stay tuned to our Twitter for any information...