Memories of Ian return as Nicole looms

A hurricane watch was issued along the eastern coast of Florida on November 7 as Subtropical Storm Nicole churned across the Atlantic and showed signs of further strengthening as it tracked toward the storm-weary state.

AccuWeather meteorologists expect this sprawling storm to take a turn and hit Florida’s east coast, strengthening into a hurricane (at least 64 knots) prior to making landfall along the central Florida coast late Wednesday night or early Thursday (Nov. 9-10). Impacts could be severe along Florida’s Atlantic coast and over the Florida Peninsula in general.

The combination of Nicole’s perpendicular track straight into the Florida Peninsula, a broad area of strong easterly winds from the Atlantic and the astronomical effects of the full moon could deliver conditions more severe with Nicole compared to Ian.

The National Hurricane Center warns that it is too early to predict the exact track or strength of the storm. A track farther to the south along the eastern coast of Florida could bring more significant impacts in terms of coastal flooding and wind to Fort Lauderdale and Miami while a track more to the north could bring more severe conditions from the Florida Space Coast to the Jacksonville Beach area.

The Coast Guard is urging people to stay off the water as their search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. However, there will remain an active presence in the Caribbean and Florida Straits to prevent and deter irregular, illegal maritime migration, which can prove even more dangerous and deadly during hurricane season.

Atlantic hurricane season runs until November 30.