NewsLos Angeles TimesOctober 24, 2026Los Angeles County
Severe thunderstorms strike Orange County and cause temporary closures at Disneyland
Photo: Los Angeles Times
A brief, powerful storm triggered heavy downpours across Orange County on Friday evening, forcing visitors at Disneyland to seek shelter and prompting temporary ride closures. Videos shared on social media captured flooded walkways in Frontierland and visitors wading through standing water while staff worked to clear blocked drains. The severe weather lasted from around 7 p.m. until the storm ended at approximately 7:45 p.m.
Read the full story at Los Angeles TimesWhy It Matters
The sudden downpour disrupted operations at a major regional attraction, highlighting localized infrastructure impacts and weather vulnerabilities during severe Southern California storms.
Key Facts
- The National Weather Service issued a warning for strong Friday evening thunderstorms and heavy rain across the Inland Empire, Santa Ana Mountains, and Orange County.
- A brief, powerful storm struck Disneyland and California Adventure starting around 7 p.m. on Friday.
- Several rides were temporarily closed and staff members directed people to safety.
- Social media videos showed visitors wading through flooded walkways in Frontierland while a cast member attempted to unclog a drain.
- The storm concluded around 7:45 p.m., according to estimates from a park witness.
- A Disneyland spokesperson stated that temporarily closing areas during heavy rain is standard operating procedure.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationDisneyland“Amusement park in Anaheim affected by the severe rainstorm.”OrganizationCalifornia Adventure“Theme park where Addison Zegan heard initial thunder and lightning.”locationSouthern California“Region expecting weather impacts related to El Niño.”locationFrontierland“Area within the amusement park where people were recorded wading through water.”OrganizationNational Weather Service“Agency that warned of strong Friday evening thunderstorms and heavy rain.”PersonAddison Zegan“Visitor who witnessed the storm at California Adventure and Disneyland and filme”locationOrange County“County affected by torrential rains.”OrganizationDisneylanders“Instagram and Spotify accounts run by Addison Zegan.”locationAnaheim“City where the amusement park is located.”locationInland Empire“Region included in the National Weather Service storm warning.”locationSanta Ana Mountains“Mountain range included in the National Weather Service storm warning.”