Watches issued as Nicole approaches Florida

On Monday morning, Subtropical Storm Nicole formed near the Bahamas.According to the National Hurricane Center, a prolonged period of hazardous weather is expected over the northwestern Bahamas, Florida, and the southeastern coast of the United States this week.As of just before 11 a.m., the storm was about 495 miles east of the northwestern Bahamas and had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. Nicole was moving northwest at 9 mph. Tropical storm watches have been posted for portions of Central Florida, including for Osceola, Orange, Seminole, Lake, Volusia, and Flagler counties. A hurricane watch was issued for Brevard County.WESH 2 meteorologists say Nicole is expected to strengthen over the next couple of days as it works toward Florida. It is expected to become a CAT 1 hurricane (75 mph winds) by Wednesday evening. Landfall is expected late Wednesday/early Thursday in South Florida, but impacts will begin in Central Florida on Wednesday. Nicole is expected to move across the Peninsula on Thursday, then make a second landfall in Florida Friday. GFS model is a little slower and stronger with the second landfall compared to the Euro. The GFS also favors a Big-Bend area landfall, which would mean more impacts for Central Florida. What we still need to fine-tune is where Nicole is going to make the second landfall, and how long will it take to lift away from the state. As of now, expect impacts from Wednesday-Friday. This timeline might need to be adjusted as new data comes in. Beach erosion and coastal flooding are going to be big impacts from Nicole. Inland locations are expected to see gusty winds and even rain. As of now, there is a low-end severe weather threat for Wednesday (central and eastern locations). Some flooding will also be possible. The concerns are growing for a fairly significant event at the beaches. After Hurricane Ian, so many dunes have been washed out, and sea walls were heavily damaged.A Hurricane Watch is in effect for…* Northwestern Bahamas* East Coast of Florida from the Volusia/Brevard County line to Hallandale Beach* Lake OkeechobeeA Storm Surge watch is in effect for…* Altamaha Sound to Hallandale BeachA Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for…* Altamaha Sound southward to Volusia Brevard County line* Hallandale Beach to the north of Ocean ReefA tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.Interests in the central Bahamas, Florida, and along the southeastern coast of the United States should monitor the progress of Nicole. Additional watches will likely be required later today. Related: Tropical disturbance to bring rough weather to hurricane-torn Central Florida coastsIn Volusia County, officials issued a warning Thursday about the storm’s potential to threaten its coastline. They said residents living on the coast should keep a close eye on the disturbance and start preparing right away. County officials there said potential storm impacts include strong rip currents, high surf and breaking waves up to 12 feet.Emergency management director Jim Judge said because the coast is already so damaged and eroded from Hurricane Ian that, “this new system heading our way can significantly threaten those properties with more erosion.”Further, officials in Volusia County urged residents and visitors to stay off of the beach this weekend into early next week.SURVIVING THE SEASON: Everything you need to know this hurricane season in Florida DOWNLOAD THE WESH 2 NEWS HURRICANE SURVIVAL GUIDE <<

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