A rare November hurricane looks set to batter Florida’s eastern coastline later this week.

Experts from the US National Hurricane Center say subtropical Storm Nicole is expected to sweep over the northern Bahamas later today (Tues) and Wednesday before gathering strength and heading up towards the Sunshine State on Wednesday night.

Warmer than normal oceans are expected to power the weather system, meaning it could reach Category 1 hurricane status when it reaches the coast, bringing up to seven inches of rain. “Heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, gale force winds and rip tides will impact eastern Florida and the southeast US,” meteorologist Robert Shackelford warned.

Miami, Tampa and Myrtle Beach are in the line of fire if, as expected, the storm tracks along the eastern seaboard. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort are among the businesses placed on storm watch, but both are still selling tickets for Thursday

It is rare for such a storm to arrive this late in the year. The last hurricane to hit Florida from the east struck more than 70 years ago.

Storm Nicole comes just a month after Hurricane Ian devasatated parts of Florida and caused at least 114 deaths.