Subtropical Storm Nicole forms in Atlantic with Florida in cone of uncertainty
LAKE MARY, Fla. - The disturbance in the Atlantic Ocean strengthened to become Subtropical Storm Nicole overnight, which could reach hurricane strength before it makes landfall on the eastern coast of Florida mid-week, according to the FOX 35 Storm Team and National Hurricane Center.
According to the latest forecast track, much of Florida remains in the storm's so-called "cone of uncertainty." Much of Florida's eastern coast remains under tropical storm watches and warnings, hurricane watches and warnings, and storm surge watches and warnings.
Weather impacts include strong winds and wind gusts, storm surge, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding.
Where is Subtropical Storm Nicole located?
- Location: About 415 miles east-northeast of northwestern Bahamas
- Maximum sustained winds: 45 mph
- Movement: NW at 8 mph
- Central pressure: 998 mb
"On the forecast track, the center of Nicole will approach the northwestern Bahamas on Tuesday and Tuesday night, move near or over those islands on Wednesday, and approach the east coast of Florida Wednesday night," the NHC said in its Monday afternoon advisory.
WATCHES AND WARNINGS
A Hurricane Warning has been issued for:
- Northwest Bahamas, including the Abacos, Berry Islands, Bimini, and Grand Bahama Island.
A Hurricane Watch has been issued for:
- East Coast of Florida from the Volusia/Brevard County Line to Hallandale Beach
- Lake Okeechobee
A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for:
- North Palm Beach to Hallandale Beach
A Storm Surge Warning has been issued for:
- North Palm Beach to Altamaha Sound
- Mouth of the St. Johns River to Georgetown
A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for:
- Hallandale Beach to north of Ocean Reef
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
- Andros Island, New Providence, and Eleuthera
- Hallandale Beach to Altamaha Sound * Lake Okeechobee
How will Subtropical Storm Nicole impact Florida?
Nicole is forecast to be a large storm, and regardless of its exact path, the NHC said. Coastal flooding, tropical-storm-force winds, heavy rainfall, rough surf and rip currents and beach erosion are likely along the Florida east coast, the southern United States coast and portions of the northwestern and central Bahamas during much of the upcoming week.
There is a possible risk for severe weather on Wednesday as the storm approaches the east coast of Florida. Local impacts could include strong winds, heavy rain, beach erosion, a Coastal Flood Watch, and the potential for power outages.
Here are the potential impacts along the St. Johns River:
Beginning on Tuesday, The FOX 35 Storm Team said our area will begin to see increasing winds and late showers. The strongest winds will arrive on Wednesday through Thursday and beach conditions will worsen. On Friday, the system will begin to exit our area, though heavy rain and winds will continue.
MORE HEADLINES:
- Tracking Subtropical Storm Nicole: Sandbag locations open Monday for some Central Florida residents
- Timeline: When Subtropical Storm Nicole in Atlantic could impact Florida this week
"This is not going to be the week to head out to the beach," FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Allison Gargaro said. Coastal hazards at the beaches beginning Monday night through Friday evening include high rip current risk as well as a Coastal Flood Watch at all Atlantic side beaches.
"If you do live along the beach, make sure you get sandbags, have all your preparations. We could be seeing power outages Thursday into Friday, so make sure that you are charging up all of your devices," Gargaro added.
As Nicole moves through the Central Florida area, here's a look at the tropical storm wind potential it will bring Florida on Wednesday morning and evening and Thursday afternoon:
The FOX 35 Storm Team will continue to monitor Nicole and will share any new developments and impacts for the Central Florida area as soon as details are available.
Nicole is the 14th named storm of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs through Nov. 30.