Meteorologists Warn Tropical Storm Nicole May Strengthen to a Hurricane with Strong Winds and Heavy Rainfall

Tropical Storm Nicole is strengthening and can become a hurricane when it reaches the northern Bahamas, meteorologists warned.

Abaco and Grand Bahama are in the direct pathway of the storm and are under hurricane watch, while Andros, New Providence, the Berry Islands and Eleuthera are expected to feel the effects of the storm which is packing 45-mile-per-hour winds.

Nicole is predicted to reach the northwestern Bahamas on Tuesday and move over those islands on Wednesday. Up to six inches of rain was expected across the region from Tuesday through Thursday.

The storm will then head toward Florida’s east coast by Wednesday night.

In preparation, the government issued a hurricane watch for the northwestern Bahamas, according to an advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper urged residents to prepare. “Please do not take this storm lightly.

“Nicole poses an imminent threat to the islands under warning. Everyone must prepare for the worst.”