At 6 p.m., observations from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that Tropical Storm Nicole had strengthened in to a hurricane while making landfall on Grand Bahama Island. The maximum winds were estimated to be 75 mph and a minimum central pressure of 980 millibars. Landfall is expected between 12-2 a.m. near Port St. Lucie.
What does that mean for Osceola County? Aside from that a strong tropical system is coming ashore on the east coast of the state -- not a whole lot, as if you're standing out in it, you really can't tell the difference between 70 and 75 mph. They'll both knock you over.
Per the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Nicole's circulation is massive, with tropical storm force winds extending an amazing 480 miles from the center. While it's forecast to track northwest across the peninsula overnight and into Thursday, effects will be felt late tonight (Wednesday) and much of the day Thursday.
What are those effects? Bands of heavy rain that will bring 3-5 inches over two days -- nothing close to the 15 inches Hurricane Ian brought six weeks ago, so nothing but very localized flooding is expected. Officials said lakes and water systems should be able to handle Nicole’s rainfall without the threat of flooding.
Gusty winds of 40-50 mph with possible gusts of 70 mph. Osceola County, like nearly all inland counties in the Florida Peninsula, are under a Tropical Storm Warning. Coastal counties from Boca Raton to Flagler County. While no tornado watches have yet been issued, they are possible with a landfalling hurricane in areas to the north and east of the projected path, which Osceola is.
For that reason, weather and county officials urge Osceola County residents to shelter in place tonight, and stay there Thursday if at all possible. All government and utility customer service offices closed early Wednesday, will remain closed Thursday, and also be closed Friday for Veterans Day, when conditions are expected to improve.
Other updates:
KUA updates: Kissimmee Utility Authority will advance to Alert Level 4 once the storm is within 24 hours of impacting its coverage area. Customers who experience a power outage can report it quickly by texting the word “out” to 877-582-7700; this is the fastest way to notify KUA about an outage. KUA’s real-time outage map can be viewed at kua.com/map. Once the storm passes, crews will begin damage assessment analysis to determine if additional assistance is needed.
Trash collection: If you have Waste Management from trash service, it has suspended Thursday operations. Those scheduled for Thursday will be serviced Friday; Friday service will be Saturday. The company notes that resuming “post storm” operations will depend on storm damage safety assessments and open disposal facilities.
Suspended cash tolls on Osceola Parkway: The County temporarily suspended cash toll collection on Osceola Parkway Wednesday to ensure the safety of toll collectors. Anticipate cash toll collection to resume Friday at 6 a.m. All drivers paying tolls without a transponder will be charged at the cash rate via toll invoice during the storm suspension.
There are no evacuations and no shelters opened.
