Glades and Hendry counties have been upgraded to a tropical storm warning. This means that tropical storm-type weather conditions are possible. Due to the location and forecast with Nicole, a tropical storm watch is active for Lee, Charlotte, Desoto counties. Tropical Storm Watches are issued when tropical storm weather is possible within the next 48 hours. Nicole is an extremely large and one-sided storm. As of last check, tropical storm force winds extend 380 miles from the center! However, the strongest tropical storm-force winds are northeast of the center, meaning much weaker winds are present to the south of the center of circulation where the majority of Southwest Florida will be as the storm approaches the state. Tropical Storm Nicole is forecast to move up the southeast coast of Florida late Wednesday as a strong tropical storm or Category 1 hurricane and then across the Florida peninsula on Thursday as a weaker tropical storm. Parts of SWFL remain in the forecast cone. However, due to Nicole’s aforementioned bevelling, the effects will vary depending on where you are. It is important to stay updated on how our forecast will change over the next 24 hours. The big thing to know about Southwest Florida is that the biggest threats from the storm in terms of wind, rain and surge will be along Florida’s east coast. Areas north of the Caloosahatchee and off Lake Okeechobee will see the potential for tropical storm force winds gusts of 40-50 mph Wednesday night into early Thursday morning. Rain and wind could start in SWFL starting Wednesday afternoon. Late Wednesday night into Thursday morning would be the windiest and wettest day for our area and depending on the exact track of the storm, coastal flooding could occur along the Southwest Florida coast with water levels reaching rises a foot above normal. The threat for a significant storm surge is very low for coastal Southwest Florida and rainfall amounts will likely range from 1-3″ with locally higher amounts possible. Now is a good time to make sure you clear your yard and drains of as much debris as possible. Also, if you have a tarp on your roof, make sure it’s secure. Forecast models are in good agreement Nicole will head up the east coast of Florida late Wednesday and then north to the Florida peninsula on Thursday and Friday. Count on the NBC2 First Alert Hurricane Team to keep you updated on the tropics this week. You can brush up on your tropical weather knowledge with the NBC2 First Alert+ Hurricane Guide here.
