Nicole downgraded to a tropical depression

Tropical Storm Nicole weakened to a tropical depression late Thursday after crossing the Florida Panhandle.

Early Thursday, Nicole made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane just south of Vero Beach, Florida, the National Hurricane Center reported. It was later downgraded to a tropical storm.

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Here are the latest updates:

Tropical Storm Nicole weakens to depression as it reaches Georgia

Update 10 p.m. EST Nov. 10: The center of the storm was about 20 miles north of Tallahassee at 10 p.m. with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph according to the National Hurricane Center advisory issued at 10 p.m.

It has weakened to a tropical depression and was moving to the northwest at 15 mph toward southern Georgia.

According to The Associated Press, the remnants from the storm could dump as much as 6 inches of rain over the Blue Ridge Mountains by Friday, the hurricane center said.

Flash and urban flooding will be possible as the rain spreads into the eastern Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic, and New England through Saturday.

-Jeff MacDonald, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Heavy rains expected over northern Florida and Southern Georgia

Update 7 p.m. EST Nov. 10: Tropical Storm Nicole is traveling along Florida’s west coast at 15 mph and is expected to turn toward the north later Thursday evening, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Maximum winds from the storm have decreased to around 40 mph, and Nicole is expected to become a depression as it approaches Georgia.

Remnants of Nicole are expected to bring rain to the Southeast & Mid-Atlantic on Friday, according to National Weather Service.

-Jeff MacDonald, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Center of Nicole straddling coast of Florida’s Big Bend region

Update 4 p.m. EST Nov. 10: Nicole maintained maximum sustained winds of 45 mph about 95 miles southeast of Tallahassee and 105 miles north-northwest of Tampa at 4 p.m. Thursday, officials with the National Hurricane Center said.

The storm is expected to move along the coast of the Big Bend region for the next several hours before moving across the eastern part of the Florida Panhandle. It’s expected to move over Georgia later Thursday.

Nicole reveals possible burial ground on Florida coast

Update 3:10 p.m. EST Nov. 10: Strong winds brought by Nicole uncovered what is believed to be part of a Native American burial ground.

Officials with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office shared photos of the discovery.

2 fishermen rescued in St. John’s County

Updated 1:50 p.m. EST Nov. 10: Officials in St. John’s County used a high-water rescue vehicle on Thursday to rescue two fisherman who got stuck as the tide came in following Nicole’s arrival in Florida, WJAX-TV reported.

Nicole weakens slightly while moving over Florida

Update 12:55 p.m. EST Nov. 10: Nicole has calmed slightly as it nears the west coast of Florida, officials with the National Hurricane Center said in a 1 p.m. advisory.

The storm had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph as it moved northwest at 15 mph from 45 miles north of Tampa and 165 miles southeast of Tallahassee.

Man, woman killed by downed power line in Orange County

Update 12:15 p.m. EST Nov. 10: Two people were electrocuted Thursday morning by a downed power line in Orange County, deputies said.

Authorities urged people to “never touch a downed power line” and to call 911 if any are spotted.

Deputies were called around 9:30 a.m. and found the two victims. The man died after his vehicle made contact with the downed power line while the woman was taken to Orlando regional Medical Center, where she died, WFTV reported.

Storm downed power lines, washed out roads, eroded beaches, Florida governor says

Update 11:25 a.m. EST Nov. 10: Damage cause by Nicole’s arrival in Florida was as expected, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday morning.

“You have downed trees, you have power lines, you have some road washouts, combined winds and storm surge,” he said at a news conference. “You’ve seen beach erosion, especially in areas that had already seen erosion from Hurricane Ian.”

Photos posted on social media showed the impact of the storm on parts of the state.

Over 345K power outages reported in Florida

Update 11:05 a.m. EST Nov. 10: The number of power outages reported in Florida topped 345,000 on Thursday as Nicole continued to move over the west central part of the state.

According to PowerOutages.us, a site that tracks outages, more than 84,000 people lost power in Brevard County while 50,000 outages were reported in nearby Orange County. Outages were also reported in several other counties, most of which are on the east central and north part of Florida.

Nicole moves over west central Florida

Update 10 a.m. EST Nov. 10: Nicole continued to bring the threat of strong winds, dangerous storm surge and heavy rains to a large part of Florida as the storm churned over the west central part of the state, officials with the National Hurricane Center said.

In a 10 a.m. advisory, forecasters said the storm was about 30 miles northeast of Tampa and 60 miles west-southwest of Orlando with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. The storm was moving west-northwest at about 16 mph, officials said.

The storm is expected to continue weakening as it moves over land.

“Little change in strength is expected while Nicole is over the Gulf of Mexico this afternoon and evening,” forecasters said. “Nicole is expected to weaken to a depression over Georgia tonight, and then it is expected to merge with a frontal boundary over the Mid-Atlantic United States by Friday night.”

House that collapsed into ocean had been damaged by Hurricane Ian

Update 9:55 a.m. EST Nov. 10: The house in Volusia County that fell into the ocean as Nicole brought high waters and strong winds to coastal Florida was one of several structures being monitored due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian, WFTV reported.

Storm surge brought by Nicole washed out some of the home’s foundation, according to WFTV.

Houses, buildings on Florida coast collapse into ocean

Update 9:10 a.m. EST Nov. 10: Houses in Wilber-By-The-Sea, in Florida’s Volusia County, have collapsed into the ocean as the state continues to feel the effects of Nicole, WFTV reported.

At least one building in Daytona Beach also appeared to have fallen into the ocean.

WATCH: Nicole leaves building collapsing into ocean The storm left this building in Daytona Beach partially submerged in the ocean. (NCD)

Nicole brings strong winds to parts of Florida

Update 8:40 a.m. EST Nov. 10: Videos posted on social media showed strong winds blowing through Florida as Nicole passed over the central part of the state.

Power out for nearly 234K customers in Florida

WATCH: Floridians share images of Nicole damage Nicole left thousands without power as it swept through Florida. (NCD)

Update 7:45 a.m. EST Nov. 10: Nearly 234,000 customers are without power in Florida, according to a website that tracks outages in the U.S.

Shortly after 7:30 a.m. EST Thursday, power was out for 233,766 customers in the state, including 87,150 in Brevard County, 31,119 in Volusia County, 25,452 in Orange County, 18,013 in Hillsborough County, 17,654 in Indian River County, 4,924 in Duval County, 4,756 in St. Lucie County, 4,690 in Palm Beach County, 4,282 in Lee County and 3,390 in Martin County, according to PowerOutage.us.

– Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Tropical Storm Nicole centered over central Florida

Update 6:51 a.m. EST Nov. 10: Tropical Storm Nicole is now centered over central Florida, the National Hurricane Center said Thursday morning.

In its 7 a.m. EST advisory, the agency said the storm, which had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph, was about 30 miles southwest of Orlando and 55 miles east of Tampa. It was moving west-northwest at 14 mph.

Forecasters have discontinued a tropical storm warning for Florida’s east coast south of Jupiter, the agency said.

– Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Power out for nearly 110K customers in Florida

What to keep and throw out after a power outage (NCD)

Update 5:10 a.m. EST Nov. 10: Nearly 110,000 customers are without power in Florida, according to a website that tracks outages in the U.S.

Shortly after 5 a.m. EST Thursday, power was out for 109,851 customers in the state, including 53,810 in Brevard County, 9,044 in Indian River County, 8,490 in Palm Beach County, 5,930 in Martin County, 5,429 in Orange County, 4,601 in Lee County and 4,354 in St. Lucie County, according to PowerOutage.us.

– Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Nicole downgraded to tropical storm

Tropical storms: What you need to know Here's what you need to know about tropical storms. (NCD)

Update 4 a.m. EST Nov. 10: Nicole was downgraded to a tropical storm about an hour after it made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane south of Vero Beach, Florida, the National Hurricane Center said early Thursday.

In its 4 a.m. EST advisory, the agency said the storm, which had maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, was about 25 miles northwest of Vero Beach and 60 miles southeast of Orlando. It was moving west-northwest at 14 mph.

Forecasters changed a hurricane warning from Boca Raton to the Flagler-Volusia County line to a tropical storm warning. Officials also discontinued a tropical storm warning south of Boca Raton to Hallandale Beach and a hurricane watch for Lake Okeechobee.

A storm surge warning is no longer in effect from North Palm Beach to Jupiter Inlet, and a storm surge watch was discontinued south of North Palm Beach to Hallandale Beach, the agency said.

No warnings remain in effect for the northwestern Bahamas.

– Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Nicole makes landfall as Category 1 hurricane

Update 3 a.m. EST Nov. 10: Hurricane Nicole made landfall as a Category 1 storm on North Hutchinson Island, just south of Vero Beach, Florida, the National Hurricane Center said early Thursday.

In its 3 a.m. EST update statement, the agency said the storm, which had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, was about 15 miles north-northwest of Fort Pierce. It was moving west-northwest at 14 mph.

– Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Nicole inches closer to Florida’s east coast

Update 2:04 a.m. EST Nov. 10: Hurricane Nicole is inching closer to Florida’s east coast, the National Hurricane Center said early Thursday.

In its 2 a.m. EST update statement, the agency said the Category 1 storm, which had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, was about 15 miles east of Fort Pierce. It was moving west-northwest at 14 mph.

– Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Nicole’s center just off Florida’s east coast

Update 1:02 a.m. EST Nov. 10: Hurricane Nicole remained a minimal hurricane, bringing heavy rains, strong winds and a dangerous storm surge to the east coast of Florida.

In its 1 a.m. EST intermediate advisory, the National Hurricane Center said that Nicole was located 30 miles east-southeast of Fort Pierce, Florida. The Category 1 hurricane had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph near its center and had picked up some forward speed as it moved west-northwest at 14 mph.

A hurricane warning was in effect from Boca Raton to the Flagler/Volusia county line, and a tropical storm warning was in effect from Boca Raton southward to Hallandale Beach, and from the Flagler/Volusia county line to South Santee River, South Carolina. Lake Okeechobee is also under a tropical storm warning

A tropical storm warning also was in effect on the west coast of Florida from north of Bonita Beach to Indian Pass.

The next full advisory issued by the hurricane center will be at 4 a.m. EST.

Florida’s east coast feeling impact of approaching Nicole

Update 10:01 p.m. EST Nov. 9: Hurricane Nicole remained a a minimal hurricane, bringing heavy rains, strong winds and a dangerous storm surge to the east coast of Florida.

In its 10 p.m. EST advisory, the National Hurricane Center said that Nicole was located 75 miles east-northeast of West Palm Beach, Florida. The Category 1 hurricane had maximum sustained winds of 75 near its center and was moving west-northwest at 13 mph.

The storm has already begun to impact the east coast of Florida later Wednesday night or early Thursday.

A hurricane warning was in effect from Boca Raton to the Flagler/Volusia county line, and a tropical storm warning was in effect from Boca Raton southward to Hallandale Beach, and from the Flagler/Volusia county line to South Santee River, South Carolina. Lake Okeechobee is also under a tropical storm warning

A tropical storm warning also was in effect on the west coast of Florida from north of Bonita Beach to Indian Pass.

Little change in intensity is expected before Nicole makes landfall on the coast, the hurricane center said.

An intermediate advisory by the hurricane center is scheduled for 1 a.m. EST.

Nicole moving toward Florida coast

Update 7:02 p.m. EST Nov. 9: Hurricane Nicole was bringing a strong winds and storm surge to Grand Bahama Island as it moved through the Bahamas and headed toward Florida’s east coast.

In its 7 p.m. EST intermediate advisory, the National Hurricane Center said that Nicole was located 20 miles east-northeast of Freeport, Grand Bahamas, and 100 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida. The newly upgraded hurricane had maximum sustained winds of 75 near its center and was moving west at 13 mph.

The storm is expected to impact the east coast of Florida sometime Wednesday night.

The next advisory by the hurricane center is scheduled for 10 p.m. EST.

Nicole attains hurricane status

Update 6:11 EST Nov. 9: The National Hurricane Center upgraded Nicole to a Category 1 hurricane on Wednesday evening.

At 6 p.m. EST, the rare November hurricane was packing maximum sustained winds of 75 mph near its center. The storm was located 25 miles east-northeast of Freeport, Grand Bahamas and 105 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida.

The storm is moving west at 12 mph.

Nicole expected to make landfall in Florida later Wednesday

Update 4 p.m. EST Nov. 9: Officials with the National Hurricane Center said Nicole is still expected to strengthen into a hurricane before an expect landfall Wednesday night in Florida.

In a 4 p.m. advisory, forecasters said the storm maintained maximum sustained winds of 70 mph as it crawled westward at 13 mph about 135 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida.

NWS: Heavy rainfall expected to continue across south Florida

Update 3:45 p.m. EST Nov. 9: Radar images show that heavy rainfall is expected to continue across eastern south Florida Wednesday afternoon as Nicole nears the coast, officials with the National Weather Service’s Miami office said.

Outer bands from Nicole impacting east central Florida, NWS says

Update 3:40 p.m. EST Nov. 9: Outer bands from Nicole are bringing hazardous conditions to parts of the Florida coast, officials with the National Weather Service’s Melbourne office said Wednesday.

In a 3:30 p.m. update, officials said outer bands from the storm are impacting the east central part of the state.

“Conditions, especially along the coast, are dangerous,” officials said. They urged people to stay away from beaches as waters are expected to rise in the coming hours.

More Orlando-area theme parks announce plans to adjust hours

Update 2:10 p.m. EST Nov. 9: Officials with SeaWorld Orlando and Legoland Florida on Wednesday announced adjustments to their hours due to Nicole’s approach, according to WFTV.

SeaWorld officials said the theme park would be closed Thursday and that precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of its animals, WFTV reported. Officials expect the park to reopen on Friday, according to an update posted on its website.

Legoland officials said the theme park in Florida will be open for part of Thursday. The Legoland Water Park will not be open.

Flooding, strong winds reported as Nicole spins toward Florida

Update 1:40 p.m. EST Nov. 9: Videos and photos from Florida showed heavy rains, storm surge and strong winds reported along the state’s east coast as Nicole bears down on the state.

Tropical Storm Nicole starts to wreak havoc in Florida Early morning Wednesday, winds caused some transformers and batteries to explode in Miami. (NCD)

Florida sheriff urges people to ‘hunker down’ as Nicole nears

Update 1:05 p.m. EST Nov. 9: Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood urged people to “hunker down” as the area braces for Nicole.

“We’re looking for a really rough night here,” Chitwood said in a video posted on social media.

The sheriff said that “dozen and dozens of buildings” have been declared structurally unsafe in the hours before the storm is expected to reach the shores of Florida.

“With this storm surge coming in here and the high winds, we are fearful that several of those buildings will collapse,” he said. “We cannot have people out and about if that were to happen. This is not the time to have hurricane fatigue. This is the last window of opportunity to secure your families, secure your properties and possibly save some lives here.”

Emergency disaster kit must-haves Here are some must-have items for your emergency disaster kit. (NCD)

Center of Nicole passes over Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas

Update 12:55 p.m. EST Nov. 9: With maximum sustained winds just shy of a Category 1 hurricane, Nicole churned about 10 miles west of Marsh Harbor on Great Abaco Island around 1 p.m. Wednesday, officials with the National Hurricane Center said.

In an advisory, forecasters said the storm is expected to move across central and northern Florida and into southern Georgia on Thursday. On Friday, Nicole is forecast to move across the Carolinas.

“Some strengthening is expected today, and Nicole is forecast to become a hurricane near the northwestern Bahamas and remain a hurricane when it reaches the east coast of Florida tonight,” according to the National Hurricane Center. “Nicole is expected to weaken while moving across Florida and the southeastern United States Thursday through Friday, and it is likely to become a post-tropical cyclone by Friday night over the Mid-Atlantic states.”

Universal Orlando Resort closing early due to threat of Nicole

Update 12:20 p.m. EST Nov. 9: Officials on Wednesday announced plans to close Universal Orlando Resort early as Nicole continues moving toward the Florida coast.

Hotels will continue to operate, officials said.

“We anticipate a phased and delayed reopening on Thursday, Nov. 10 and will update once we assess conditions,” they added.

Nicole makes landfall in the Bahamas

Update 12:08 p.m. EST Nov. 9: Nicole made landfall Wednesday morning on Great Abaco Island in the northwestern Bahamas with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Parts of Florida seeing strong winds, heavy water from Nicole

Update 12:05 p.m. EST Nov. 9: Videos posted on social media show parts of Florida are dealing with increased winds and high waters as Nicole nears the coast.

Disney announces phased closure for Florida theme parks

Update 11:45 a.m. EST Nov. 9: Officials on Wednesday announced a planned phased closure of Walt Disney World Resort theme parks beginning at 5 p.m. as Nicole continues to inch toward Florida.

Officials said the parks will be closed through at least 10 a.m. Thursday morning. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT will also close Wednesday night.

The changes to hours were made “to prioritize the safety of our Cast Members and Guests,” company officials said in an update to guests.

Gov. DeSantis says Nicole expected to make 2 landfalls in Florida

Update 11:20 a.m. EST Nov. 9: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said officials are preparing for the expectation that Nicole will make two landfalls in the state in the coming hours.

Nicole is expected to make landfall in Martin County as a Category 1 hurricane before crossing Florida, reaching the Gulf of Mexico and making a second landfall in the Big Bend region, the governor said.

“For those under evacuation orders, remember, you don’t need to go hundreds of miles away,” he said. “You can go tens of miles inland, stay within the state and be safe.”

Evacuation orders have been issued in several counties, including Brevard, Flagler, Martin, Palm Beach, St. John, St. Lucie and Volusia counties.

Forecasters say Nicole will bring hazardous conditions to much of Florida, other parts of southeast US

Hurricanes: What to do if sheltering in place If you are riding out a major storm at your home, you need to be prepared. (NCD)

Update 10:30 a.m. EST Nov. 9: Officials with the National Hurricane Center reiterated on Wednesday morning that people should not focus on the exact track that Nicole is expected to follow.

Forecasters noted the storm is large “with hazards extending well to the north of the center, outside of the forecast cone.”

“These hazards will affect much of the Florida peninsula and portions of the southeast United States,” officials said.

New storm surge warning issued as Nicole churns toward Florida

Storm surges: What you need to know (NCD)

Update 10 a.m. EST Nov. 9: Officials with the National Hurricane Center issued a storm surge warning for the area from the Anclote River in Florida to the Ochlockonee River as Nicole continued to crawl toward the state Wednesday morning. The warning means that there is a danger of life-threatening conditions from rising water moving inland from the coastline.

The storm, which maintained maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, was about 210 miles east of West Palm Beach, forecasters said in a 10 a.m. advisory.

“Some strengthening is expected today, and Nicole is forecast to become a hurricane near the northwestern Bahamas and remain a hurricane when it reaches the east coast of Florida tonight,” officials said.

Florida officials warn people to stay off beaches as Nicole approaches coast

Update 9:40 a.m. EST Nov. 9: Officials in Martin and Brevard counties warned people to stay clear of beaches in the areas as Nicole brings hazardous beach and surf conditions to east central Florida.

Airports close Wednesday

SEE: Florida prepares for Nicole Florida residents took steps to prepare as Nicole took aim at the east coast. (NCD)

Update 7:11 a.m. EST Nov. 9: Palm Beach International Airport officials have announced that commercial flights will end at about 9 a.m. Wednesday morning. The airport’s terminal will close after the last flight out.

Orlando International Airport announced Tuesday that it will stop commercial flights at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. It will reopen when “circumstances permit.”

– Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Nicole continues to move toward Great Abaco Island

Update 7 a.m. EST Nov. 9: Tropical Storm Nicole continues to move toward Great Abaco Island in the northwestern Bahamas, and NOAA and Air Force hurricane hunters are investigating the system, the National Hurricane Center said Wednesday morning.

In its 7 a.m. EST advisory, the agency said the storm, which had maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, was about 60 miles east-northeast of Great Abaco Island and 240 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida. It was moving west-southwest at 13 mph.

– Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Nicole approaches Great Abaco Island in northwestern Bahamas

Update 4 a.m. EST Nov. 9: Tropical Storm Nicole is approaching Great Abaco Island in the northwestern Bahamas, the National Hurricane Center reported early Wednesday.

In its 4 a.m. EST advisory, the agency said the storm, which had maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, was about 90 miles east of Great Abaco Island and 270 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida. It was moving west-southwest at 13 mph.

Forecasters have issued a tropical storm warning for Florida’s west coast north of Bonita Beach to Indian Pass. The warning also has been extended northward from Altamaha Sound, Georgia, to South Santee River, South Carolina.

Officials have discontinued a hurricane watch from the Flagler-Volusia County line to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, the agency said.

– Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Biden approves Florida emergency declaration

Update 3:34 a.m. EST Nov. 9: President Joe Biden has approved an emergency declaration in Florida as Tropical Storm Nicole churns toward the state.

In a news release early Wednesday, the White House said the declaration, effective beginning Nov. 7, allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency “to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures” in the following counties: Alachua, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Desoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jefferson, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Taylor, Volusia and Wakulla, as well as the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

– Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Nicole still heading toward Florida

Update 12:59 a.m. EST Nov. 9: Tropical Storm Nicole neared hurricane strength as it moved closer to the Bahamas and Florida’s east coast.

In the National Hurricane Center’s 1 a.m. EST advisory, Nicole was located about 110 miles east-northeast of Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas and about 290 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida.

The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 70 mph at its center, the hurricane center said. The storm continued on a west-southwest path at 11 mph.

The storm is expected to intensify into a Category 1 storm sometime Wednesday, the hurricane center said.

A hurricane warning remains in effect on Florida’s east coast from Boca Raton to the Flagler-Volusia county line. A hurricane warning is in effect in the Abacos, Berry Islands, Bimini, and Grand Bahama Island in the northwestern Bahamas.

A hurricane watch is in effect for Florida’s east coast from Boca Raton south to Hallandale Beach, and from the Flagler-Volusia county line north to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. Lake Okeechobee is also under a hurricane storm watch.

The NHC will issue its next advisory at 4 a.m. EST.

Nicole close to hurricane strength

Update 10:04 p.m. EST Nov. 8: Tropical Storm Nicole neared hurricane strength as it moved closer to the Bahamas and Florida’s east coast.

In the National Hurricane Center’s 10 p.m. EST advisory, Nicole was located about 150 miles east-northeast of Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas and about 325 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida.

The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 70 mph at its center, the hurricane center said. The storm had turned slightly to the west-southwest but was still moving at 10 mph.

The storm is expected to intensify into a Category 1 storm sometime Wednesday, the hurricane center said.

A hurricane warning remains in effect on Florida’s east coast from Boca Raton to the Flagler-Volusia county line. A hurricane warning is in effect in the Abacos, Berry Islands, Bimini, and Grand Bahama Island in the northwestern Bahamas.

A hurricane watch is in effect for Florida’s east coast from Boca Raton south to Hallandale Beach, and from the Flagler-Volusia county line north to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. Lake Okeechobee is also under a hurricane storm watch.

The NHC will issue an intermediate advisory at 1 a.m. EST.

Nicole takes slight turn to west-northwest

Update 6:58 p.m. EST Nov. 8: In the National Hurricane Center’s 7 p.m. EST intermediate advisory, Nicole was located about 250 miles northeast of the northwestern Bahama Islands and about 360 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida.

The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 65 mph at its center, the hurricane center said. The storm had turned slightly to the west-northwest but was still moving at 10 mph.

The storm is expected to intensify into a Category 1 storm sometime Wednesday, the hurricane center said.

A hurricane warning remains in effect on Florida’s east coast from Boca Raton to the Flagler-Volusia county line.

A tropical storm warning is still in effect for Florida’s east coast from Boca Raton south to Hallandale Beach, and from the Flagler-Volusia county line north to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. Lake Okeechobee is also under a tropical storm watch.

The NHC will issue its next full advisory at 10 p.m. EST.

NASA postpones Artemis I liftoff until Nov. 16

Update 6:23 p.m. EST Nov. 8: NASA announced that it has decided to re-target the launch for the Artemis I mission to Nov. 16, WFTV reported. The decision is pending safe conditions for employees to return to work, according to the television station.

Nicole expected to become hurricane Wednesday, NHC says

Update 3:55 p.m. EST Nov. 8: Nicole intensified slightly on Tuesday afternoon, officials with the National Hurricane Center said in a 4 p.m. advisory.

The storm churned about 395 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, officials said. The storm is expected to reach hurricane strength on Wednesday and hold that while approaching Florida’s east coast.

Mandatory, voluntary evacuation orders issued as Nicole churns toward Florida

Update 2:45 p.m. EST Nov. 8: Parts of Florida were under evacuation orders Tuesday as officials continued preparing for the expected arrival of Nicole on Wednesday or Thursday.

Officials in St. Lucie County issued a voluntary evacuation order while Brevard County officials recommended people on barrier islands, in mobile or manufactured homes, in flood-prone areas and those with special medical needs evacuate.

Kevin Captain, director of community information for Volusia County Emergency Management, said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon that parts of the county were under a mandatory evacuation order “out of an abundance of caution.” The areas affected include coastal areas, WFTV reported.

Palm Beach County officials also issued evacuation orders for parts of the county.

Nicole gains strength, crawls toward Florida

Update 1 p.m. EST Nov. 8: Nicole gained some strength Tuesday as it continued to approach Florida at 9 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The storm was about 420 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph, forecasters said.

“It has much more of a typical appearance of a tropical storm,” acting National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Michael Brennan said Tuesday. “We have a lot of shower and thunderstorm activity that’s developed near and over the center of the storm in the last 12 hours.”

He added that officials expect to see “a very large area of impacts” with Nicole expected to reach hurricane strength by Thursday.

Areas damaged by Hurricane Ian brace for Nicole

Update 11:45 a.m. EST Nov. 8: Communities impacted by Hurricane Ian prepared Tuesday for the potential arrival of Nicole, WFTV reported.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said crews were working to bring down water levels in areas that were flooded by Ian, according to WFTV. Workers were draining retention ponds to account for expected rainfall.

Nicole ‘a large tropical cyclone,’ NHC officials warn

Update 10:05 a.m. EST Nov. 8: Nicole became a tropical storm on Tuesday morning with strong winds extending as far as 380 mils from its center, officials with the National Hurricane Center said in an 10 a.m. advisory.

The storm was churning in the Atlantic Ocean about 460 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, forecasters said. Nicole prompted a new hurricane warning for the area from Boca Raton, Florida, to the county line between Flagler and Volusia counties. A hurricane watch has also been issued from the county line to Ponte Vedra Beach.

Nicole is expected to approach the east coast of Florida on Wednesday night before moving across the central and north portion of the state and into southern Georgia on Thursday.

Florida officials urge residents to prepare

Emergency disaster kit must-haves Here are some must-have items for your emergency disaster kit. (NCD)

Update 9:20 a.m. EST Nov. 8: Officials with the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Tuesday warned residents that Nicole could cause storm damage and power outages that might prevent them from filling prescriptions.

“Take the time now to refill prescription medications,” agency officials said.

Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 34 counties out of an “abundance of caution” on Monday, according to a news release. The counties were identified as: Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia.

In Brevard County, authorities reminded residents that flooding can happen “in any location,” WFTV reported.

Local officials are also preparing for expected impacts from Nicole. In St. Augustine, where flooding is expected to bring waters three to five feet above street level, officials are passing out free sandbags, WJAX-TV reported.

Nicole strengthens slightly

Update 7:07 a.m. EST Nov. 8: Forecasters said Subtropical Storm Nicole is beginning to strengthen and likely will turn westward of west-southwestward today, the National Hurricane Center reported Tuesday morning.

In its 7 a.m. EST advisory, the agency said the storm, which had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, was about 385 miles east-northeast of the northwestern Bahamas. It was moving west-northwest at 8 mph.

– Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Nicole expected to become a tropical storm, officials say

Update 5:05 a.m. EST Nov. 8: Forecasters said Subtropical Storm Nicole will transition to a tropical storm and begin strengthening later today, the National Hurricane Center said early Tuesday.

In its 4 a.m. EST advisory, the agency said the storm, which had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, was about 400 miles east-northeast of the northwestern Bahamas. It was moving northwest at 8 mph.

Officials have issued a tropical storm watch for Florida’s west coast north of Bonita Beach to the Ochlockonee River, the advisory said.

– Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Nicole maintains strength on path toward Florida

Update 2:53 a.m. EST Nov. 8: Hurricane hunters with the Air Force Reserve are investigating Subtropical Storm Nicole’s large wind field, the National Hurricane Center said early Tuesday.

In its 1 a.m. EST advisory, the agency said the storm, which had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, was about 415 miles east-northeast of the northwestern Bahamas. It was moving northwest at 7 mph.

– Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

NHC: ‘Dangerous storm surge’ expected on Florida, Georgia coasts

Update 10:50 p.m. EST Nov. 7: According to the National Hurricane Center, hurricane conditions and a dangerous storm surge are expected in parts of the Bahamas starting Tuesday evening. A hurricane warning is already in effect.

“A dangerous storm surge is expected along much of the east coast of Florida and portions of coastal Georgia where a storm surge warning is now in effect. The storm surge will be accompanied by large and damaging waves. Residents in the warning area should listen to advice given by local officials,” officials said in the 10 p.m. advisory.

– Jessica Goodman, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Storm expected to strengthen on Tuesday, Wednesday

Update 6:50 p.m. EST Nov. 7: According to the National Hurricane Center, Nicole is expected to strengthen Tuesday evening and Wednesday.

“Hurricane conditions are possible across portions of the coast of southeast and east-central Florida beginning late Wednesday, where a Hurricane Watch is in effect. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the Tropical Storm Watch areas in Florida and Georgia beginning by early Wednesday,” officials said in the 7 p.m. advisory.

– Jessica Goodman, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Nicole expected to be near hurricane intensity on Wednesday

Update 4 p.m. EST Nov. 7: Officials with the National Hurricane Center said Nicole is forecast to strengthen Tuesday night and Wednesday as it continues to move toward the east coast of Florida.

In a 5 p.m. AST advisory, officials said the storm maintained strength, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. It was about 435 miles east-northeast of the northwestern Bahamas, according to forecasters.

“Some slight strengthening is forecast tonight or Tuesday, with a faster rate of strengthening expected Tuesday night and Wednesday,” officials said in the advisory. “Nicole is forecast to be at or near hurricane intensity by Wednesday or Wednesday night while it is moving near or over the northwestern Bahamas.”

Storm maintains strength in the Atlantic Ocean

Update 1 p.m. EST Nov. 7: Subtropical Storm Nicole maintained strength on Monday afternoon as it continued to churn toward Florida, officials with the National Hurricane Center said in a 2 p.m. AST advisory.

The storm was about 465 miles east of the northwestern Bahamas and moving toward the coast at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, officials said.

Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 34 counties with the potential to be in Nicole’s path out of an “abundance of caution,” according to a news release.

“While this storm does not, at this time, appear that it will become much stronger, I urge all Floridians to be prepared and to listen to announcements from local emergency management officials,” he said. “We will continue to monitor the trajectory and strength of this storm as it moves towards Florida.”

The counties included in the declaration were identified as: Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia.

Original report: The storm, about 495 miles east of the northwestern Bahamas, was crawling Monday morning toward the coast at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, officials said.

A hurricane watch has been issued for the area from the county line separating Volusia and Broward counties to Hallandale Beach and for Lake Okeechobee. Other areas, including parts of the east coast of Georgia, have been issued storm surge and tropical storm watches.

Director Jamie Rhome of the National Hurricane Center said Monday that a large portion of the Florida peninsula was likely to be affected by the storm, though he emphasized that officials are “not forecasting a major hurricane.”

“We’re not forecasting rapid intensification at this time,” he said. “We think, because it’s very large, that it’s going to strengthen slowly as it approaches the Florida peninsula and potentially impact the Florida peninsula as a top-end tropical storm or a bottom-end hurricane, a Category 1 hurricane.”

Some of the areas expected to be impacted are still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Ian. The destructive, Category 4 storm made landfall near Cayo Costa, Florida, on Sept. 28.

Rhome noted that Nicole is not expected to be “an Ian situation” though he urged Floridians to take precautions, as the storm is a “potentially impactful system.” He said storm conditions are expected to spread to the Florida coast as soon as Wednesday morning.

“If you’re going to make preparations, make sure they’re done early on Tuesday or more ideally get them completed by sundown today,” he said.

In an 11 a.m. AST advisory, NHC officials said Nicole’s strong winds could extend as far as 275 miles from the storm’s center.

“Do not focus on the exact track of Nicole since it is expected to be a large storm with hazards extending well to the north of the center, and outside of the cone, and affect much of the Florida peninsula and portions of the southeast U.S.,” officials said.

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