Tropical Storm Nicole

[fredwx]

The NHC has upgraded the tropical cyclone that developed yesterday over the Northwest Caribbean to a minimal tropical storm with max winds to 35kts as the center moved off the north coast of Cuba out over the Florida Straits. TS Nicole is expected to remain a minimal tropical storm as it tracks northeastward across the Florida Straits towards the northwestern Bahamas this afternoon and tonight then it will likely be absorbed by a developing extra-tropical low along the Southeastern US Coast tonight and Thursday. Strong to gale force winds and seas (forces 7-8/30-40kts) are possible up to 360nm east and south of the center through early Thursday.