Subtropical Nicole forms, takes aim at 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 5 a.m., the storm was about 555 miles east of the northwestern Bahamas and had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. Nicole was moving north-northwest at 14 mph. WESH 2 meteorologists say the latest satellite image shows Nicole gradually lifting to the north.As it lifts north, it will find lower wind shear, warm waters, and a perfect environment for development. When looking at the GFS and Euro models side by side, they both try to develop Invest 98. The Euro keeps it as a tropical storm status, but the GFS brings it to hurricane status and makes landfall somewhere near the Palm Beaches or Treasure Coast. The latest models show this storm cutting west across the peninsula, then making a sharp northeast track across the peninsula again. The timing of impact seems to be Wednesday-Friday. Conditions look in improve by Friday afternoon, although our beaches will still see rough surf and beach erosion.The concerns are growing for a fairly significant event at the beaches. After Hurricane Ian, so many dunes have been washed out, sea walls heavily damaged.SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for…* Northwestern BahamasA Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.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.KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN A HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUEDStay tuned to WESH 2 News, WESH.com, or NOAA Weather Radio for storm updates.Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.Understand hurricane forecast models and cones.Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood.Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first-aid supplies, drinking water and medications.The WESH 2 First Warning Weather Team recommends you have these items ready before the storm strikes.Bottled water: One…
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