Update – 4:30 PM EST

Today, the weather event known as Nicole was upgraded to a Tropical Storm, and is looking like she will strengthen into a hurricane over the next day or so. Our communities throughout the Southeastern United States are preparing as TS Nicole may affect each one in some way or another.

Our communities along the east coast of Florida are looking at possible Hurricane-like conditions, while our communities in central Florida and along the Florida's west coast are bracing for possible tropical storm like conditions. Communities in Georgia, South Carolina and even into Virginia might be affected with rain and possible high wind gusts.

During a call today with our community Executive Directors, we discussed preparation and processes for storm readiness. Each community is working toward and preparing for Nicole to make landfall.

Key Messages from National Hurricane Center

1. Hurricane conditions are expected across portions of the coast of southeast and east-central Florida beginning late Wednesday or Wednesday night, where a Hurricane Warning is in effect. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the Tropical Storm Warning areas in Florida and Georgia beginning early Wednesday.
   
   
2. A dangerous storm surge is expected along much of the east coast of Florida and portions of coastal Georgia where a Storm Surge Warning is in effect. The storm surge will be accompanied by large and damaging waves. Residents in the warning area should listen to advice given by local officials.
   
   
3. Nicole will produce heavy rainfall Wednesday and Thursday across the Florida Peninsula. Flash and urban flooding will be likely across portions of the Florida Peninsula along with possible renewed river rises on the St. Johns River. On Friday and Saturday, flash, urban and small stream flooding will be possible in the Southeast through the Mid-Atlantic and central Appalachians.