A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Marion County as Subtropical Storm Nicole continues on its path towards the east coast of Florida.
This means that tropical storm conditions, which are sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour, will be possible in the Marion County area within the next 48 hours.
As of 10 a.m. on Tuesday, the center of Tropical Storm Nicole was located approximately 350 miles northeast of the northwestern Bahamas and around 460 miles east of West Palm Beach, according to an update from the National Hurricane Center.
Tropical Storm Nicole currently has maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour, and the storm is moving to the west at a speed of 9 miles per hour. The impact of this storm is expected to be felt in Marion County beginning on Wednesday, November 9, and that impact will likely continue through Friday, November 11.
On its Facebook page, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office posted a message to residents: “Make sure your hurricane supply kit is ready to go and make preparations to secure your home.”
MCSO encourages all residents to sign up for Alert Marion so they can receive severe weather alerts on their registered cellphones and home phones.