Update: The storm intensified into a hurricane overnight Wednesday into Thursday. As of Thursday morning, the storm weakened once it made landfall. Over 120 flights were cancelled and roughly 190,000 people are left without power Thursday because of the storm, according to CNN.
Floridians are being told to prepare for subtropical storm Nicole, which is expected to grow into a hurricane by Thursday or Friday.
A state of emergency has already been declared as the subtropical storm heads towards the Florida coast on Tuesday, bringing big ocean waves and choppy conditions. It is anticipated to quickly turn into rain and wind as the week continues, according to Fox Weather. Rip currents and wildlife, such as jellyfish, will be far more prevalent, with warnings being issued to beachgoers.
At present, the weather system is heading directly for Florida’s east coast across the Atlantic Ocean, Fox noted. Coupled with a strong full moon, the tide is expected to be quite high along the coastline. Residents in low-lying areas are being told to prepare for flooding.
Dont let the “sub” fool you. #Nicole is a formidable storm that will have major impacts all along the southeastern U.S. coastline, not only near the center. Coastal flooding, large waves and rip currents will extend from the tip of FL to NC. https://t.co/9VIys0LqDo
— National Weather Service (@NWS) November 7, 2022
An official Hurricane Watch has started from the Volusia/Brevard County line to Hallandale Beach and Lake Okeechobee, Fox continued. The storm system is expected to turn into a hurricane by Wednesday or Thursday, according to CNN. (RELATED: Videos Show Mass Destruction From Early Stages Of Hurricane Ian Hitting Florida)
Florida is still deep in recovery mode from Hurricane Ian, which struck in late September, killing more than 100 people from the sunshine state and others in North Carolina. Mass devastation swept through the western half of the state before Ian calmed over land, and regained strength over the Atlantic.