Chief Meteorologist Chris Franklin has a look at possible benefits to us from Nicole and where landfall is likely Nicole transitioned to a fully tropical storm on Tuesday morning northeast of the Bahamas. It is forecast to continue strengthening as it drifts westward over the northern Bahamas. It could become a Category 1 hurricane before it makes landfall along the east coast of Florida late Wednesday night into early Thursday. It will then move inland and become a weaker tropical storm. A strong trough of low pressure and cold front will force it to make a sharp turn to the northeast somewhere over Florida late Thursday and Friday.