Florida Airports Close, Flights Canceled Ahead of Hurricane Nicole

FLORIDA — Major airports across Florida are closing Wednesday a day before Hurricane Nicole is expected to make landfall on the state's eastern coast as a Category 1 hurricane. Meanwhile, other airports issued warnings about possible flight cancellations and urged travelers to plan ahead.

During its 7 a.m. briefing, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said Hurricane Nicole is forecast to make landfall between northern Palm Beach County and Vero Beach between 1 and 2 p.m. on Thursday.

• RELATED: Tropical Storm Nicole Likely To Become Cat 1 Hurricane Wednesday

By Wednesday afternoon, Nicole was about 175 miles east of West Palm Beach and moving west at 12 mph with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. Tropical stor- force winds extended as far as 460 miles from the center in some directions.

Nicole could intensify into a rare November hurricane before hitting Florida, where only two have made landfall since recordkeeping began in 1853 — the 1935 Yankee Hurricane and Hurricane Kate in 1985.

Travelers can check the status of any flight through the airline or at FlightAware.com.

Palm Beach International Airport

On Wednesday, Palm Beach airport officials announced airline operations would cease at 9 a.m. By 11 a.m., all flights in and out of the airport were canceled. Travelers should check with their airlines for rebooking details.

Orlando International Airport

Orlando International Airport, the seventh busiest in the United States, is slated to close at 4 p.m. Wednesday, officials announced on Twitter. Travelers should contact their airlines for specific flight information.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport remains open, but some flights have been canceled or delayed. As. of 2 p.m. Wednesday, more than 130 flights in and out of the airport had been canceled or delayed, according to FlightAware.com.

Miami International Airport

The Miami airport remains open, but some flights have been canceled or delayed. As. of 2 p.m. Wednesday, more than 170 flights in and out of the airport had been canceled or delayed, according to FlightAware.com.

Tampa International Airport

The airport in Tampa remains open. According to a statement posted on Twitter, airport officials "anticipate no significant impacts from the storm." Travelers should check directly with their airlines for the most up-to-date flight information.

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Officials said the Sarasota-Bradenton airport is open and operating as usual Wednesday. Travelers should check directly with their airlines for the most up-to-date flight information.

Daytona Beach International Airport

Airport officials announced on Twitter that the terminal building and airfield would close at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday due to Tropical Storm Nicole. All flights were canceled. The airport is scheduled to reopen at 4 p.m. Friday, officials said.