Tropical Storm Nicole: Death Toll Reaches 4, Videos Show Scary Flooding in Florida
Tropical Storm Nicole finally hit the eastern coast of Florida on Thursday as a Category 1 hurricane. Now, it has weakened to a tropical storm, but just after it devastated Florida with strong winds and heavy rainfall. Now, the death toll has reached four in Orange County.
CNN has reported that this is the first time a hurricane has hit the United States during November in nearly 40 years.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office said that a man and woman died on Thursday morning when they were electrocuted by a downed power line. Meanwhile, the two others died in a car crash on Florida's Turnpike. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings stated that their deaths are probably caused by the storm.
The Florida Highway Patrol stated that a pickup truck driving on the turnpike lost control and swerved. It then struck a tow truck, killing both drivers.
"We are urging all of our residents and visitors to use extreme caution if they are outside in the wake of the storm today," said the Orange County Sheriff's Office's social media pages.
The office also warned people not to touch downed power lines and told drivers if they see one, they must change directions immediately, according to Accuweather.
READ MORE: Florida, Bahamas on Hurricane Watch as Subtropical Storm Nicole Approaches
Tropical Storm Nicole Causes 'Unprecedented' Damage in Volusia County, Florida
While all four deaths were recorded in Orange County, significant coastal damage was caused by then-Hurricane Nicole in Volusia County.
Volusia County manager George Recktenwald stated that the damage Nicole brought to the county's coastline was "unprecedented."
Meanwhile, the Volusia County director of community information stated that around 19 hotels or condos and 40 single-family homes have been compromised. he added that some of the buildings have also partially collapsed.
According to ABC News, while there were no deaths reported in the county, Nicole caused at least one injured person.
So far, the heavy rainfall from Nicole has focused on northern Florida, with high winds pummeling not just the state, but also parts of Georgia and the South Carolina coast.
Tropical Storm Nicole Heading North up the East Coast
Though weakened, Tropical Storm Nicole is still heading up North. It is predicted to weaken over the next 24 hours as it races up the East Coast. Meteorologists warn that heavy rainfall is expected from the former hurricane as it passes by Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and the Mid-Atlantic coast. They also warned that flash flooding is possible.
The eastern portions of the Carolinas and Virginia would also be possibly experiencing severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Meanwhile, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia are expected to experience some rain on Friday morning, The storm will then hit New York by lunchtime and then New England by the afternoon.
ABC News reports that the interior Northeast will experience the heaviest rainfall, and there is a big potential for flash flooding in that area as well. Scattered thunderstorms are also possible.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: Hurricane Nicole makes landfall, weakens over Florida coast - ABC-7