A Hurricane Warning is now in effect for the island of Bermuda today as Hurricane Nicole picks up strength in the Atlantic. The National Hurricane Center upgraded Tropical Storm Nicole to Hurricane Nicole in its 2p update. A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. 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.

Residents and visitors there should rush their Hurricane Action Plans to completion and take steps to protect life and property immediately.

At 2p, the center of Tropical Storm Nicole was located near latitude 27.3 North, longitude 66.3 West. Nicole is moving toward the northwest near 5 mph. A northwest to north-northwest motion is expected today. A turn toward the north and an increase in forward speed is expected tonight, followed by a northeast turn on Wednesday. On the forecast track, the center of Nicole is expected to approach Bermuda Wednesday night and pass near Bermuda Thursday morning.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph  with higher gusts, making Nicole a Category 1 hurricane. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next day or two.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles  from the center while  tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 mile  from the center.

The minimum central pressure reported by an Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft is 982 mb (or 29.00″).

A dangerous storm surge is expected to produce coastal flooding in Bermuda. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves. Swells associated with Nicole will impact Bermuda for many days. Heavy rain will also fall on the island; Nicole should produce 3-5″ of rain through Thursday.