A new weather warning says Subtropical Storm Nicole, which has the potential to be at or near hurricane strength as it approaches the east coast of Florida later this week, “will bring significant impacts to East Central Florida,” according to NOAA. Subtropical Storm Nicole formed east of the Bahamas.
Officials are advising residents to finish up any preparations, as local conditions could start to deteriorate tomorrow, well ahead of the storm itself.
“We encourage all residents to stay weather aware and continue to follow storm updates over the coming days,” Orange County government posted. “Make sure you and your family are prepared!”
A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Inland Volusia, Northern Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Southern Lake. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Inland Indian River, Inland Martin, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland Saint Lucie, Inland Southern Brevard, Mainland Northern Brevard, and Mainland Southern Brevard.
A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch have been issued for Coastal Indian River, Coastal Martin, Coastal Saint Lucie, Northern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Brevard Barrier Islands. A Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch have been issued for Coastal Volusia.
According to a recent NOAA/NWS alert: “Subtropical Storm Nicole will drift westward on Tuesday before taking a turn west-southwestward Tuesday night into Wednesday, moving toward the northern Bahamas. Nicole is expected to approach the eastern Florida Peninsula, potentially near or at hurricane strength, Wednesday into Wednesday night and will produce significant impacts across east central Florida. Preparations should begin now for at least strong tropical storm conditions by mid-week.”
Here are potential wind and rain flooding threats to Central Florida:
