NHC UPDATE: Tropical Storm Nicole Nears Hurricane Strength, Projected to Come Ashore Near Port St. Lucie
By Space Coast Daily // November 9, 2022
Hurricane, Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Warnings are all in effect
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA • NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER – Tropical Storm Nicole is still expected to continue strengthening into a Category 1 hurricane before landfall along the Florida east coast Wednesday, and your preparations should be completed.
The threat for serious impacts to east central Florida remains high as Nicole begins to approach the area. Dangerous storm surge, damaging winds and gusts, heavy to excessive rain, and an isolated tornado are all possible.
Hurricane, Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Warnings are all in effect, with a Flood Watch starting Wednesday at 7 a.m Wednesday.
As of early Wednesday morning, the NHC shows the storm coming ashore near Port St. Lucie. The tropical storm was just a few miles per hour from hurricane power as it produced sustained winds of 70 mph and headed toward the Florida coast and is expected to strengthen more before landfall early Thursday as the first hurricane to strike the United States in November in almost 40 years.
“#Nicole is a formidable storm that will have major impacts all along the southeastern U.S. coastline, not only near the center. Coastal flooding, large waves and rip currents will extend from the tip of FL to NC,” the National Weather Service tweeted.
It is projected to be a strong tropical storm or a Category 1 hurricane – with sustained winds of at least 74 mph – by the time it reaches Florida Wednesday evening into Thursday morning.
Brevard County on Tuesday issued an evacuation recommendation, starting Wednesday, for residents on the barrier islands, including areas from Kennedy Space Center south beaches, and Merritt Island, those in flood-prone areas, mobile and manufactured home residents, and people with special medical needs who are dependent on electricity.
The following shelters will be available for general population, families wishing to bring their pets, and those with medical special needs who have pre-registered or been screened by the Florida Department of Health-Brevard.
■ Max K. Rodes Community Center, 3410 Flanagan Ave., West Melbourne, FL 32904
■ South Mainland Community Center, 3700 Allen Ave., Micco, FL 32976
■ Viera Regional Community Center, 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, FL 32940
■ Walter Butler Community Center, 4201 N Cocoa Blvd, Cocoa, FL 32927
Text BREVARDEOC to 888777 to sign up for emergency notifications from Brevard County Emergency Management. Residents are are also encouraged to follow @BrevardEOC on Twitter, Brevard County Emergency Management on Facebook, visit www.brevardfl.gov/EmergencyManagement, or call 2-1-1 for more information.
