MAP: Here’s the updated forecast path of Tropical Storm Nicole

Tropical Storm Nicole is forecast to make landfall on the east coast of Florida somewhere between West Palm Beach and Port St. Lucie overnight Wednesday into Thursday, according to the 8 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center.

Although Nicole may briefly strengthen into a hurricane, it is uncertain whether it will remain one when it makes landfall. A hurricane warning is in effect from Melbourne south to Boca Raton with tropical storm and storm surge warnings extending futher along the east coast. Mandatory evacuations were ordered for many parts of the east coast, including coastal Palm Beach County.

On Florida’s west coast, a tropical storm warning is in effect from the Panhandle south to Bonita Springs, including Tampa Bay.

A state of emergency is in effect for nearly the entire state.

Here’s the latest forecast track including the so-called “spaghetti models,” which show the range of possible tracks based on various computer models: