Tropical Storm Nicole is nearing hurricane strength as it approaches the Bahamas on its way toward the east coast of Florida. Palm Beach County ordered evacuations for residents in zones A and B.
Tropical Storm Nicole neared hurricane strength Wednesday morning as weather worsened across the east coast of Florida. Palm Beach County ordered coastal communities and vulnerable areas to evacuate, as schools closed and residents braced for a strike by a rare November hurricane.
The center of Tropical Storm Nicole crossed Great Abaco Island early Wednesday afternoon as the storm’s outer bands brought South Florida heavy rains, high winds and coastal flooding. The storm, still generating top winds of 70 mph, was expected to reach hurricane strength Wednesday before hitting Florida, the National Hurricane Center said in its 1 p.m. update.
A hurricane warning was issued from Boca Raton through Volusia County, as Tropical Storm Nicole turned west and was expected to gain strength. "Life-threatening" storm surge is possible in South Florida.