Villagers prepare for heavy rainfall and strong wind as Tropical Storm Nicole moves toward the state.
The storm, currently packing maximum sustained winds of 65 miles per hour, is forecasted to become a hurricane over the next day, before making landfall in Florida, according to a recent report from the National Hurricane Center. It is expected to reach the Florida coast late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
In response to the advancing storm, Governor Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency on Monday for 34 east coast counties, saying the move was taken “in an abundance of caution” so locals in the affected areas could prepare.
“While this storm does not, at this time, appear that it will become much stronger, I urge all Floridians to be prepared and to listen to announcements from local emergency management officials,” DeSantis said in statement.
Whereas in The Villages, the Community Development Districts, announced the removal of all gate arms beginning Wednesday morning. Depending on weather conditions, gate arms will be reinstalled this Saturday.
The CDD is also working to lower Lake Paradise ahead of increased rainfall, and will decide if more water management is needed based on storm developments.
The district office has no plans to close any facilities in The Villages, as of now.
