Strong winds and heavy rain are spreading across portions of the east coast of Florida and the northwestern Bahamas on Wednesday as Tropical Storm Nicole takes aim at the Sunshine State.
A hurricane warning remains in effect for Boca Raton north to the Flagler-Volusia County line as Nicole Pushes west toward Florida.
IMAGES: Tropical Storm Nicole's impacts in South Florida
According to the 4 p.m. Wednesday advisory from the National Hurricane Center, Nicole was bringing dangerous storm surge and heavy winds to Grand Bahama Island with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph.
The system is located 175 miles east of West Palm Beach and is moving west at 12 mph.
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The latest computer models have Nicole making landfall between West Palm Beach and Vero Beach as a Category 1 hurricane about 1 a.m. Thursday, according to WPTV First Alert Weather chief meteorologist Steve Weagle.
In addition to the hurricane warning, a hurricane watch is in effect for Hallandale Beach north to Boca Raton, as well as for Lake Okeechobee. A storm surge warning is in effect for North Palm Beach north through the entire Treasure Coast.
Palm Beach County has ordered mandatory evacuations for residents in Zones A and B, barrier islands, low-lying areas, and mobile homes.
Officials in Martin and St. Lucie counties are strongly encouraging residents on barrier islands, along with those in low-lying areas and mobile homes, to evacuate.
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The NHC said Nicole is forecast to become a hurricane near the northwestern Bahamas and remain a hurricane when it reaches the east coast of Florida Wednesday night.
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.
There is a severe weather and flash flooding threat for our viewing area on Wednesday and Thursday.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Hurricane Center | WPTV Hurricane Guide
The system is expected to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane on Wednesday before making landfall on the east coast of Florida overnight Thursday.
"We will see those winds on the increase, especially as we head into this evening, mainly after 10 p.m.," Hall said. "As the storm moves onshore, that's when we'll see the worst of the weather."
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By Wednesday afternoon, as Tropical Storm Nicole inches closer to Florida, tropical storm force winds over 40 miles per hour and on-and-off rain bands are expected throughout the day. There will be periods of heavy downpours and strong winds.
South Florida is under a level two of four threat for excessive rainfall.
On Wednesday night, Nicole is expected to make landfall and hurricane conditions are possible as the storm moves onshore.
Our viewing area could see some isolated tornadoes, Hall said. The Storm Prediction Center is placing South Florida under a level two of five threat for severe storms.
The storm surge threat will increase into the overnight hours Thursday and as Nicole pushes onshore.
Active weather will continue through Thursday morning, then Nicole will start to pull away. Windy conditions with some scattered showers will persist throughout the day Thursday, then slow clearing by the evening.
"Thursday morning, 9 a.m., the sun is breaking through the clouds, at least into Palm Beach County," WPTV First Alert Weather meteorologist Steve Villanueva said. "As we head toward Thursday afternoon, a mix of sun and clouds. Just a few lingering rain showers here and there."
A hurricane warning is in effect for:
- The Abacos, Berry Islands, Bimini, and Grand Bahama Island in the northwestern Bahamas
- Boca Raton to Flagler/Volusia County line
A hurricane watch is in effect for:
- Hallandale Beach to Boca Raton
- Lake Okeechobee
A tropical storm warning is in effect for:
- Bimini in the northwestern Bahamas
- Hallandale Beach to Boca Raton
- Flagler/Volusia County line to Altamaha Sound, Georgia
- North of Bonita Beach to Indian Pass
- Lake Okeechobee
A storm surge warning is in effect for:
- North Palm Beach to Altamaha Sound, Georgia
- Mouth of the St. Johns River to Georgetown
- Anclote River to Ochlockonee River
A storm surge watch is in effect for:
- Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass
- South of North Palm Beach to Hallandale Beach
- Altamaha Sound Georgia to South Santee River South Carolina
