Hurricane Nicole Makes Landfall, Heavy Rain With Gusty Winds Lash Florida. In Pics

Hurricane Nicole made landfall in Florida but has since been downgraded to a tropical storm. Nicole hit the Bahamas as a Category 1 hurricane but slowed down after. It is also set to pass through Georgia and South Carolina. (Image: AFP)

Water levels on Florida’s east coast are at their highest levels, more than five hours after Hurricane Nicole made landfall near Vero Beach. (Image: AFP)

As per a CNN report, Nicole has sustained winds of 60 mph -- down from 75 mph during landfall. As per experts, winds of tropical storm force extend outward up to 450 miles. (Image: AFP)

Ahead of Nicole's landfall, officials in Florida asked people to evacuate some buildings deemed unsafe to withstand the storm. The image shows a a view of a closed access to the beach after Hurricane Nicole made landfall. (Image: AFP)

Authorities warned that storm surge could further erode beaches hit by Hurricane Ian in September. The storm was forecast to head into Georgia and the Carolinas later on Thursday and Friday, dumping heavy rain across the region. (Image: AFP)