Florida residents are stockpiling food and key essentials as subtropical Storm Nicole strengthens into a hurricane.
As many voters head out to vote in the midterm elections, locals have been told to expect high winds and the chance of rain throughout the day in Miami, Orlando and Okeechobee.
Weather forecasters expect the storm to hit South Florida and all the way up to Jacksonville by tomorrow evening.
As of this morning the storm was 380 miles east of the northwestern Bahamas with speeds of 8mph.
However, the storm is expected to batter Florida with wind speeds of 50mph throughout the day.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the predicted track of the storm has shifted to the north and could see Orlando hit with top wind speeds of 75mph.
With excessive and strong winds, this means by the time the storm hits Orlando it will be classified as a Category 1 hurricane strength.
Storm Nicole is set to bring flooding, high winds and extreme downpours during Wednesday evening.
The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said: "With Nicole's structure beginning to take on more tropical characteristics, strengthening is likely to commence later today."
The forecasters also warned of costal cities being affected including Fort Lauderdale and Boca Rato as weather warnings remain in place for locals.
In addition, the National Weather Service said a 'life-threatening' storm could happen along Palm beach and Broward coasts.
The storm surge could hit between 2-4 feet in South Florida and will be 'accompanied by 'large and destructive waves,' according to the Hurricane Centre.
Extreme winds are expected with Palm Beach and Broward facing 75mph winds including a 30 percent chance of tropical winds.
The entire east coast of Florida is expected to be hit with heavy rain, high winds and a storm surge - with Orlando, who are still recovering from Storm Ian, now set to be at risk again.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to prepare for the tropical storm and plan ahead.
He said: “I encourage all Floridians to be prepared and make a plan in the event a storm impacts Florida.
“We will continue to monitor the path and trajectory of Invest 98L and we remain in constant contact with all state and local government partners.”
He added there could be heavy winds, rip currents and an increased risk of coastal flooding this week.
News of the storm follows just months after the devastating destruction of Hurricane Ian which forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes.
In late September, Hurricane Ian's winds hit 150mph and shattered many local businesses and communities.
People were left without running water or electricity for day as the hurricane killed at least 120 people.
