Editor’s Note: CNN’s continued storm coverage found here.
CNN
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At least two people were killed in damage caused by Nicole’s overnight landfall on Florida’s east coast Thursday. This left thousands without power, nearly collapsing buildings and flooding the coast. It was the first hurricane to hit the United States in nearly 40 years in November.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release that “two people were electrocuted due to blackout power lines” in Orange County.
In addition to the threat of tornadoes, high winds and heavy rains Be expected It will continue for parts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina on Thursday after Nicole, which hit with Category 1 strength, was weakened by a tropical cyclone.
Meanwhile, the community is assessing the damage.
At least 49 beachfront buildings, including 24 hotels and condominiums, were deemed “unsafe” following Hurricane Nicol in Volusia County, officials said in a press release. “The structural damage along our coastline is unprecedented,” County Administrator George Rechtenwald said in a release. “We have never experienced anything like this before, so we ask for your patience while we make our assessment.
Eleven more structures on the shores of Daytona Beach are already considered endangered, Recktenwald said.
Volusia County officials said, “From 11:22 a.m. Thursday, November 10 to 7:00 a.m. Friday, November 11, night outings will be permitted in incorporated and unincorporated areas east of the Intracoastal Waterway. We have declared a ban,” said the Volusia County Storm Update.
According to an update, 200 residents were being held in county shelters. Three shelters remain open. About 23,000 customers in the county are out of power, according to PowerOutage.us.
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In Indian River County, officials will “evaluate the debris and communicate cleanup plans” Thursday morning, spokesperson Kathy Copeland said. There have been no reports of damage or injuries,” spokesman Eric Gill said, adding that “probably the biggest impact will be coastal erosion.”
At 10 p.m. Thursday, Nicole had a sustained wind of 35 mph, moving northwest at 15 mph, centered about 20 miles north of Tallahassee.
Eastern, central and northern Florida could receive up to 8 inches of rain through Saturday. Damage from 2 to 6 inches is expected across parts of the Southeastern United States, through the southern and central Appalachian Mountains, to the western mid-Atlantic, according to the Hurricane Center.
Nicole was weakened by a tropical storm shortly after making landfall, which turned into a low pressure system late Thursday. A tropical depression is expected in the southeast.
Here’s what you need to know now:
Non-Florida residents should prepare for the following: Nearly three million people are under tornado advisories issued for southeastern Georgia, eastern and southern South Carolina, and parts of the far south of North Carolina. “Given the strength of the storm and the uncertainty of its path as it approaches South Carolina, residents should prepare personal emergency plans in case they need to take safety precautions later in the week. There is,” said Kim Stenson, director of the State Department of Emergency Management.
Tens of thousands without power: More than 237,000 homes and businesses in Florida lost power late Thursday, according to PowerOutage.us.
Low tide limit storm surge: Nicol’s greatest winds coincided with low tide, limiting storm surges and inundation on the coast.A surge was measured in Port Canaveral at just under 6 feet high at about 4:00 a.m., shortly after landing. Late Thursday morning, the waves have dropped to about 3 feet, but water levels are expected to remain high until high tide between 8am and 10am.
Kingtide endangers structures: The King Tides, which affected Volusia County on Thursday morning, are “extremely concerned about the potential for further damage to structures,” said an official with Volusia County Emergency Management. , is a term used to describe a higher-than-normal tidal cycle that usually occurs during a new or full moon when the Moon is closest to the Earth. Combined with inclement weather such as heavy rain, wind and waves, it can cause severe flooding. Rising sea levels are making king tides more frequent and severe.
Flights canceled and schools closed: The storm’s enormous path has closed many schools, colleges and universities, canceled hundreds of flights and closed amusement parks.Orlando International Airport closed Wednesday afternoon, while Miami International Airport Cancellation warning However, there were no plans to close.
Historic Hurricanes: Nicole’s landfall on Thursday was the latest in a calendar year for a hurricane to hit Florida’s Atlantic coast. Yankee broke his record for the hurricane that hit Florida’s east coast on November 4, 1935.
Where the storm hit: According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm hit just south of Vero Beach with winds of 75 mph and then weakened quickly. Its high winds, downpours and storm surges hit some areas where Hurricane Ian hit her September. Nicole on Wednesday brought strong winds and dangerous storm surges to the northwestern Bahamas.
