Tropical Storm Nicole: What we know now and what to expect with storm in Palm Beach County

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The 1 p.m. update on Wednesday, Nov. 9, reports Tropical Storm Nicole made landfall on Great Abaco Island at 11:55 a.m. with sustained winds of 70 mph. The system is 175 miles east of West Palm Beach and moving west at 12 mph.

The storm's track shifted slightly north taking areas from Boynton Beach to Boca Raton out of the for forecast cone. But tropical storm-force winds extend 460 miles from the center, mostly on the northern side of the center.

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Here's what we know now and what to expect from Tropical Storm Nicole. Please check back as we answer more questions about the storm and how it will affect Palm Beach County.

Is Nicole a hurricane or tropical storm?

Nicole is forecast to become a hurricane in the next 12 hours before making landfall on Florida's east coast late Wednesday, Nov. 9 into early Thursday, Nov. 10.

Where will Tropical Storm Nicole make landfall?

Tropical Storm Nicole is expected to make landfall somewhere between Boynton Beach and Sebastian late Wednesday into early Thursday as a Category 1 hurricane.

How strong will Nicole's winds be?

Sustained tropical storm-force winds of 39 mph and higher are expected by 2 p.m. Wednesday throughout coastal Palm Beach County. There is an 80 to 100% chance that sustained tropical storm-force winds will occur in Palm Beach County.

There is about a 10 to 15% chance that sustained hurricane-force winds of 74 mph will impact northern Palm Beach County.

There is a 5 to 10% chance that sustained hurricane-force winds will impact central and south county.

What kind of damage can Nicole's winds bring?

For north county, extensive wind impacts include the potential for considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having window, door and garage door failures leading to structural damage, according to the National Weather Service in Miami.

For central and south county, significant wind impacts include damage to roofing and siding, porches, awnings and carports. Several large trees snapped or uprooted, as well as scattered power and communication outages.

Nicole is forecast to top out as a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mph sustained winds and 90-mph gusts.

Will storm surge be a problem?

A storm surge warning is in effect for North Palm Beach through Georgia with up to 5 feet of surge possible.

A storm surge watch is in effect for areas of Palm Beach County south of North Palm Beach with up to 4 feet of surge possible.

Significant storm surge impacts include the potential for damage to buildings near the coast, near-shore escape routes and secondary roads could be washed out in vulnerable areas. Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks and piers is possible.

Significant beach erosion is expected, especially in north county.

Is Publix closed due to storm?

Publix supermarkets in northern Palm Beach County are closing early Wednesday in preparation for Tropical Storm Nicole.

Three stores in Jupiter and Tequesta closed at noon Wednesday while two other Jupiter stores will close at 2 p.m., according to a news release sent out by the Lakeland-based retailer.

All stores are expected to reopen on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 9 a.m.

Tropical Storm Nicole: Publix stores close early Wednesday in northern Palm Beach County

Is Palm Beach International Airport closed?

Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach anticipates commercial airline operations will stop at about 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9.

Officials advise checking with your airline for specific details before coming to the airport. The terminal will be closed to the public following the last departure.

More closures due to Nicole: PBIA, PalmTran shut down; Tri-Rail, Brightline closing early

PBI is not a shelter and people should not plan on staying there through the storm. For information on Palm Beach County shelters go to https://www.pbcgov.org/hurricane/.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Tropical Storm Nicole track: What we know, expect Palm Beach County