Nicole Expected To Be Hurricane Before Striking Florida
(Miami, FL)-- Tropical Storm Nicole is expected to become a hurricane before making landfall on Florida's east coast. The National Hurricane Center says the storm has winds of up to 70 miles-per-hour, which is just under hurricane strength. Much of the Florida's east coast is under hurricane, tropical storm and storm surge warnings. Florida's Gulf Coast is also under a tropical storm warning and a new storm surge warning covers an area from around Tarpon Springs to the Panhandle. Forecasters expect the system to make landfall along the Treasure Coast late tonight, then move across the central and northern part of the state before heading north into the southern U.S. late tomorrow.
Florida Expands State Of Emergency To Additional 11 Counties
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Governor Ron DeSantis is expanding the state of emergency as Tropical Storm Nicole moves closer to Florida's east coast. The order will now include eleven counties, on top of the 34 counties placed under the measure earlier this week. DeSantis says six-hundred State National Guard members are activated and seven search and rescue teams are on standby.
Emergency Aid Approved For Central Florida
(Orlando, FL)-- Federal emergency aid is going out to Central Florida counties. President Biden approved assistance earlier today for 45 counties in the state that are expected to face the harshest impacts from Tropical Storm Nicole. Those areas include Brevard, Lake, Seminole, Volusia, Flagler, Lake and Orange counties. FEMA will coordinate all disaster relief efforts, which they were already doing to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian. Nicole is expected to become a hurricane before making landfall on the state's east coast later today.
Publix Throughout Central Florida Closes Early
(Melbourne, FL)-- Publix is closed for several parts of Central Florida as the area prepares for impacts from Tropical Storm Nicole. Stores in Brevard and Indian River counties closed their doors at noon today. All locations are expected to continue normal operations starting tomorrow at nine in the morning.
Curfew Issued For Volusia County Residents
(Daytona Beach, FL) -- A curfew will go into effect tonight for Volusia County residents as Tropical Storm Nicole prepares to make landfall. The order will last from 7 tonight until 7 tomorrow morning.Sheriff Mike Chitwood says Hurricane Ian weakened the infrastructure throughout the county and officials are not sure what buildings could collapse during the storm.
Seminole County Issued Voluntary Evacuations Ahead Of Nicole
(Sanford, FL)-- A voluntary evacuation is underway in Seminole County ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole. County Emergency Management Director Alan Harris is predicating the storm will bring flooding due to the fact that they are already battling high water levels along the St. Johns River. Impacts to the county are expected to hit late tonight and into the morning.Officials are recommending those in mobile homes, low-lying areas and residents with special needs to go to local emergency shelters, which opened earlier this morning.
Central Florida Suspends Cash Toll Collections As Nicole Approaches
(Orlando, FL) -- Cash toll collections are suspended across Central Florida in preparation for Tropical Storm Nicole. The Central Florida Expressway Authority says the change took effect this afternoon in order to keep toll collectors safe. Drivers who are going through the pay booths now through Thursday will receive charges through an invoice. Regular operations are scheduled to resume on Friday.
Theme Parks To Close Due To Tropical Storm Nicole
(Orlando, FL) -- Several Florida theme parks are preparing for Tropical Storm Nicole. Walt Disney World is working to close its parks down by this evening and through Thursday morning. Some Disney resorts are also asking residents to leave with employees helping them find alternative stays. Universal Orlando and CityWalk will suspend services starting this evening. While, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will close down tomorrow.
Artemis I Rocket Launch Delays Again Due To Storm
(Cape Canaveral, FL)-- Tropical Storm Nicole is causing another delay for the Artemis One rocket launch on Florida's Space Coast. NASA originally rescheduled the launch for Monday, but due to potential weather impacts the agency is pushing their next attempt back to early Wednesday. Officials say they will leave the rocket on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center during the storm after rolling it out late last week. NASA is continuing to monitor the system as it is expected to hit Brevard late tonight.
FBI Arrest Man Accused Of Making Pipe Bomb
(Zephyrhills, FL) -- A Pasco County man is facing federal charges after he sold a pipe bomb to an undercover detective. Authorities say the device, believed to be created by 35-year-old James Hall, was designed to kill or injure someone. The investigation was launched last week when a confidential source told the Tampa Police Department they made contact with Hall about the bomb. Hall said he had contemplated using it on someone he didn't like, before he sold it to an undercover officer for 800-dollars. Hall is facing up to 30 years in prison.