Tropical Storm Nicole heading towards the northwestern Bahamas today is expected to reach hurricane strength before reaching on Florida’s east coast this evening or early tomorrow.

Weather forecasters at the National Hurricane Center say the storm is bringing winds of 70 miles an hour.

Hurricane warnings are in effect for the northwestern Bahamas and about a 200-mile stretch of the Florida coast.

Tropical storm warnings or watches are in place for parts of Georgia, Florida and South Carolina.

Up to eight inches of rain are expected in the northwestern Bahamas and much of Florida over the next couple of days.

People have been urged to evacuate parts of the Bahamas.