The storm is projected to hit as a category 1 hurricane.

As of this morning, the unseasonal Tropical Storm Nicole is moving through the ocean several hundred miles east of Florida’s east coast. Given this time it can strengthen itself, the storm is projected to strike Florida in the early hours of Thursday morning as a category 1 hurricane.

Watches and warnings have been issued for powerful wind, rainfall, and storm surges, with efforts underway to sandbag and shore up vital infrastructure. Due to the angle of the storm, it is not believed that Florida’s west coast, much of which is still recovering from Hurricane Ian, will be significantly affected. However, there are still changing variables of the storm that could be a cause for concern.

“The worst conditions are likely to occur within a couple of hours of high tide along the Florida east coast from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said. “But, if Nicole makes landfall during high tide, conditions could be much worse than if the storm rolls ashore during low tide.”

After its initial strike, the storm is expected to curve northward through central Florida, then move into states further north, where it will gradually peter out over the course of the week. Much of Orlando’s tourism industry has temporarily closed in anticipation of the storm, including prominent attractions like Disney World.