Nicole Could Become a Major Hurricane; Bermuda Now Under Hurricane Warning

October 11,2016
Nicole strengthened into a hurricane Tuesday afternoon and will move on a path that will take it very close to Bermuda later Wednesday into Thursday.
(MORE: Interactive Tracker For Nicole)

Current Watches/Warnings

A hurricane warning is in effect for Bermuda. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.
Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion on Bermuda.
Nicole was located about 360 miles south-southwest of Bermuda, as of Tuesday night.

Current Storm Information

Atmospheric conditions have become more conducive to strengthening, as wind shear has relaxed and Nicole is moving over warm water. Some further strengthening is possible over the next day or two, and Nicole could be near major hurricane strength (Category 3 or stronger) by late Wednesday.
As Nicole moves northward, it will encounter westerly winds aloft that will help send it in the general direction of Bermuda Wednesday night into Thursday.
(MORE: Hurricane Central)
It's possible Nicole could be a Category 2 or 3 hurricane as it moves near Bermuda.

Projected Path

Impacts From Nicole

Tropical storm conditions (39-73 mph winds) are possible on Bermuda beginning late Wednesday, with hurricane conditions (74+ mph winds) potentially arriving by early Thursday.

While Nicole is likely to bring strong winds to Bermuda, the severity of the winds will depend on the exact path of the center in relation to the archipelago. Hurricane-force winds currently extend out 30 miles from the center, while tropical storm-force winds are up to 115 miles from the center.

Heavy rainfall is also forecast with 3 to 5 inches of rain expected through Thursday.

Storm surge will produce coastal flooding in Bermuda as the center passes nearby. Large, destructive waves will also pound the coastline.

All interests in Bermuda should monitor the progress of Nicole very closely and make preparations.

Only four October hurricanes have tracked within 50 miles of Bermuda dating back to 1950, according to Dr. Phil Klotzbach, tropical scientist at Colorado State University.

Nicole's History

This is the second time since Nicole formed Oct. 4 that it has strengthened into a hurricane.

Last Thursday, Nicole briefly became the sixth hurricane of the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season well south of Bermuda. Continued organization during that day led to an upgrade to Category 2 status.

MORE: Images of Hurricane Eyes