Storm surge, wind gusts, tornadoes: biggest weather threats as Tropical Storm Nicole slams Florida

Hurricane Nicole made landfall on Florida's east coast on Thursday at 3 a.m. and has weakened back to a tropical storm.

The National Hurricane Center had warned that Nicole was expected to bring "dangerous storm surge" to the eastern coast of Florida, including Brevard, Flagler, and Volusia counties, large and damaging waves, along with hurricane-force and tropical storm-force winds, and heavy rainfall that could lead to moderate flooding.

There will also be an increased threat for tornadoes as the storm's eye wall makes its way across the peninsula overnight.

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Storm surge near the coast could rise between 1 and 5 feet, and up to six feet above normal ride levels, the NHC said in its latest advisory. Rainfall could be between three and five inches.

"As Nicole crosses the peninsula, there will be an increase in winds near the center followed by a 30-60 minute lull in winds/squalls as the eye passes. DON'T LET THIS FOOL YOU. Conditions will deteriorate rapidly again as the other side of the eyewall moves into the area," the National Weather Service's Melboune Office said in a tweet.