Overnight Nicole became a Cat 2 hurricane, with 85 gusting 105 knots. Hurricane hunters are in the hurricane now and we are getting data to support this increased intensity forecast. Nicole has also not progressed forward as fast as they were predicting yesterday, which is not good because it means that it will spend more time in that region of above average sea surface temps and very low wind shear – all ingredients for further intensification… which is why their write ups are hinting at the possibility of Nicole reaching major hurricane (Cat3) strength prior to landfall here. Please note however, that the speed thus duration of conditions for Bermuda remains the same as previous advisories, NHC expect it to be moving over us at a steady pace. With the slowed down approach, the local wind timings have been adjusted as follows, with TS winds lasting late night Thursday:
