Over the weekend, Subtropical Storm Nicole became strong enough to be named and is forecast to become an even larger storm as the week progresses which could bring severe weather to the Walt Disney World area later this week.

The National Hurricane Center reports that the storm will cause widespread impacts from a long period of coastal flooding, tropical-storm-force winds, heavy rainfall, rough surf and rip currents. These conditions are likely along the southeastern United States coast and the Florida east coast as well as portions of northwestern and central Bahamas.

Projections now indicate that Nicole could be at or near hurricane strength by the time it moves closer to the east coast of Florida on Wednesday or Thursday. A Tropical Storm Watch is already in effect for the northwestern Bahamas and additional watches could potentially be issued for more portions of The Bahamas and the east coast of Florida later today.

As always when severe weather is heading toward the Walt Disney World area, this post will be updated at the top as new information comes in from the National Hurricane Center.