Tropical Storm Nicole is just below hurricane strength it continues an approach toward Florida's east coast and is expected to become a hurricane later Wednesday. Here at home, a tropical storm warning is in effect for much of the west coast of Florida — including the Tampa Bay area — for the possible impacts from gusty winds. Heavy downpours and storm surge is possible, too, especially on the Nature Coast where a storm surge watch remains in effect. The storm is anticipated to become a hurricane before it reaches Florida. In fact, the National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning from Boca Raton to the Flagler/Volusia County line. As of the 4 a.m. Wednesday advisory, it is a 70-mph storm located about 270 miles east of West Palm Beach moving west-southwest at 13 mph. MORE: https://bit.ly/3NQF8ZC