Subtropical Storm Nicole formed overnight Monday and is forecast to strengthen as it approaches Florida on Thursday.
As of early Monday morning, Nicole was located around 550 miles east of the Bahamas and moving to the north-northwest at around 14 mph. Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph, with higher gusts.
Nicole is expected to intensify, and could be near hurricane strength as it approaches Florida's east coast by Wednesday night.
A hurricane watch has been issued for Florida's east coast, from the Volusia-Brevard county line to Hallandale Beach. A tropical storm watch is in effect has been issued for Altamaha Sound, Georgia, south to the Volusia-Brevard county line and south of Hallandale Beach to north of Ocean Reef.
Meteorologist Justin Ballard, with the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network, says tropical-storm-force winds are expected as early as Wednesday.
"Nicole will be moving through the Bahamas Wednesday evening, with winds of nearly hurricane strength making their way to the Florida east coast during the predawn hours Thursday," Ballard said. "Aside from the wind, areas hard-hit by Ian will get a one-two punch of additional heavy rainfall and storm surge."
Ballard said Nicole is forecast to make landfall between the Space Coast and southeast Florida, but anyone along the east coast should be prepared for impacts.
Nicole could produce heavy rainfall along and south of the I-4 corridor — primarily in coastal areas — and impact areas that were hard-hit by Hurricane Ian. Rainfall totals of 3-5 inches are possible.
Nicole is expected to produce heavy rainfall by mid- to late-week, along with possible beach erosion, rough surf, and coastal flooding.
Information from the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network contributed to this report.
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