Tropical storm warning issued for Florida’s east coast

ORLANDO, Fla. — The tropics are churning out another disturbance, even as parts of Central Florida continue to recover from Hurricane Ian.

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10:15 p.m. update:

A tropical storm warning has been issued for Florida’s east coast, with a storm surge warning in effect for the coast line.

Winds are still at 45 MPH with little change in intensification on Monday, but strengthening and organization is expected Tuesday and Wednesday

The sprawling structure and nearby dry air has made it difficult for an inner core to develop so far.

4:15 p.m. update:

Hurricane hunters investigated Nicole on Monday and discovered tropical storm-force winds. But Nicole is still being categorized as “subtropical” for now.

The 4 p.m. track update has not changed drastically since the 10 a.m. update.

Read: Hurricane tips: What you should do to prepare

By Tuesday, Nicole is expected to track more westward, toward Florida.

It is forecast to continue strengthening overnight Wednesday, when it’s expected to make landfall on Florida’s east coast with near-hurricane strength winds.

Read: Here’s where you can get sandbags in Central Florida

The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for parts of The Bahamas. A storm surge watch was issued for parts of Florida’s northeast coast.

Watch chief meteorologist track the storm live on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.

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10:45 a.m. update:

Subtropical Storm Nicole is continuing its move toward Florida.

Hurricane Hunter aircraft are working to gather more data on the storm system, which is forecast to impact Florida on Wednesday evening.

Nicole has winds of 45 mph and is moving northwest at 9 mph.

Don’t let the “subtropical” name fool you, Nicole is now expected to be a hurricane as it moves over the northern Bahamas towards the southwest Florida coast.

The National Hurricane Center said hurricane and storm surge watches have been issued for all of Florida’s east coast.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Brevard County.

A Tropical Watch is in effect for Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia, Flagler and Lake counties.

These will likely be upgraded to warnings as Nicole gets closer.

Video: Subtropical Storm Nicole prompts hurricane, storm surge watches for parts of Central Florida The tropics are churning out another disturbance, even as parts of Central Florida continue to recover from Hurricane Ian.

Original report:

Subtropical Storm Nicole formed early Monday and is working to strengthen as it draws in moisture in the Atlantic.

Forecast models show the system getting better organized before heading to Florida by Wednesday.

Read: Here are the Central Florida counties offering sandbags to prepare for potential weather impacts

The coast will see pounding surf Monday.

Damage and flooding concerns could cause evacuations at the coast.

By Wednesday night, the threat of significant coastal erosion and coastal flooding will rise, especially during high tides.

Watch: Daytona Beach residents prepare for storm damage while still reeling from Hurricane Ian

The worst weather is forecast to arrive Wednesday evening into Thursday.

The system is also raising concerns over flooding in parts of inland Central Florida.

Monday is forecast to be partly cloudy and breezy with a passing shower possible in the afternoon.

Read: ‘Rebuild their lives’: Funding available for people whose homes, businesses were affected by Ian

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