Tropical Storm Nicole is now located over the Bahamas moving westward at 12 mph. Nicole is forecast to make landfall late this evening in Southeast Florida as a hurricane with winds up to 75 mph. The storm will likely track across the central Peninsula Thursday morning then possibly move into the Northeast Gulf of Mexico Thursday afternoon. By Thursday evening, Nicole is forecast to move quickly through the Florida Panhandle closer to Tallahassee with sustained winds up to 40 mph.
Nicole is expected to weaken into a Tropical Depression as is passes through Georgia Thursday night, then track through South Carolina Friday morning and afternoon. Strong winds and widespread rain will push into the state from the south during the day Thursday and continue into Friday.
Coastal impacts will increase during this time also with dangerous storm surge up to 4 feet possible, especially from Darien to Georgetown. Most areas will receive 1to 4 inches of rain which may lead to localized flooding. An isolated tornado threat will also increase on Friday.
The main impacts from Nicole will exit South Carolina Friday evening into the overnight hours. Until then, stay weather aware and have multiple ways to receive watches and warnings.
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