Tropical Storm Nicole brings increased threat of tornadoes to Myrtle Beach this evening

Nicole made landfall as a hurricane near Vero Beach, Florida early Thursday evening and will bring impacts as a tropical storm to the Grand Strand area starting this evening into Friday.

Impacts in northeast SC and southeast NC include rainfall of 1-1.5”, strong rip currents, coastal flooding and a slight threat of isolated tornadoes, according to the latest weather briefing.

The forecast track showed the center of Tropical Storm Nicole over east-central Florida and will move across central Florida through Thursday.

Beach erosion is also possible, especially during high tide on Friday. Any strong tropical storms could produce locally higher gust winds up to over 45 mph, the National Weather Service said.

Hazardous marine conditions will continue into Saturday. So far, no closures have been announced for the Myrtle Beach area.