Subtropical Storm Nicole has formed east of the Bahamas. It is a large system and will definitely have impacts on South Florida — and it’s forecast to be a tropical storm or category 1 hurricane by the time it gets here. Now is the time to get ready.
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Monday features a brisk breeze, good sun, and clouds at times. The east coast metro area will see passing showers, especially in the afternoon. A high risk of dangerous rip currents is in place at the Atlantic beaches through at least Wednesday evening. Some coastal flooding is possible at high tides through at least Wednesday along the Atlantic coast. Highs on Monday will be in the mid-80s.
Tuesday will be breezy and mostly sunny during the day, with an increasingly gusty breeze in the evening in the east coast metro area. Look for periods of showers and storms in the east coast metro area, with activity increasing in the afternoon and evening. Tuesday’s highs will be in the mid-80s.
Wednesday’s weather will depend on the track and strength of Subtropical Storm Nicole. For now, expect very windy conditions with gusts of at least tropical storm strength as well as periods of heavy rain. Surf conditions will be extremely hazardous. Wednesday’s highs will be in the low 80s.
Thursday’s weather will again depend on Nicole. Expect tropical storm conditions, including damaging winds, heavy rain, and rough seas. Thursday’s highs will be in the low 80s.
Friday’s forecast still depends on Nicole, but for now, it appears the system will be north of our area. Look for very breezy conditions, periods of showers, and some sun but more clouds. Highs on Friday will be in the mid-80s in the east coast metro area and the low 80s along the Gulf coast.
In the tropics, it’s all about Subtropical Storm Nicole, which poses a threat to South Florida and the Bahamas. At 5 am, Nicole was located near 25.5 North, 68.5 West, about 555 miles east of the northwestern Bahamas. Maximum sustained winds were 45 miles per hour, and Nicole was moving north-northwest at 14 miles per hour. A tropical storm watch is in effect for the northwestern Bahamas, including Nassau — and additional watches and warnings are expected later on Monday. Nicole is forecast to turn to the west or southwest before reaching the Florida coast sometime on Wednesday — and transition into a strengthening fully tropical system is expected. Nicole is likely to be a very strong tropical storm or category 1 hurricane when it reaches Florida — anywhere from South Florida northward to the northeast Florida coast. Bottom line — South Florida needs to begin preparations now. If you need to put up storm panels (a good idea with the threat of a very strong tropical storm), plan on finishing on Tuesday.
Elsewhere, the low about 650 miles east of Bermuda has a medium chance of becoming a depression — at least briefly. This feature is moving to the northeast and will merge with a front in a day or so.
