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“Really rough night” predicted in Florida as late hurricane approaches 

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A late-season hurricane is expected to hit the east coast of Florida late on Wednesday evening into Thursday morning. 

Evacuation orders were issued for Flagler, Palm Beach, Martin and Volusia counties along the east coast on November 9th as Tropical Storm Nicole heads towards the state. Storm surges have already been reported in St. Lucie and Martin counties. Multiple bridges are expected to close as winds climb to an estimated 39 mph, reported US News.

“It will affect huge parts of the state of Florida all day,” Governor DeSantis said of the storm’s expected landing on Wednesday evening. 

Kevin Guthrie of Florida Division of Emergency Management says residents should expect possible tornadoes, rip currents and flash flooding. The storm is expected to become a Category 1 hurricane by the time it reaches eastern Florida. 

“A combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline,” the hurricane center said.

“Because the system is so large, really almost the entire east coast of Florida except the extreme southeastern part and the Keys is going to receive tropical storm force winds,” said Daniel Brown, a senior hurricane specialist at the Miami-based National Hurricane Center.

“We’re looking for a really rough night here,” said Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood. “This is not the time to have hurricane fatigue. This is the last window of opportunity to secure your families and secure your properties, and possibly save some lives here.”

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