Forecast: Nicholas upgraded to Category 1 Hurricane; lower rainfall chances for Central Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — The National Hurricane Center upgraded Nicholas to a Category 1 hurricane during their 10 p.m. update on Monday. The system is still moving through the Gulf of Mexico and is still expected to make landfall Monday night. Current maximum sustained winds are at 75 mph. The storm is moving north-northeast at 10 mph. The Tropical Storm Watch which was issued for Fayette County has been canceled. 

The latest forecast cone shows another eastward shift, which lowers expected rainfall accumulation totals for Central Texas. Areas along and west of Interstate 35 will see less than half an inch of rain, while areas east of I-35 could see up to two inches max.

The higher rainfall totals are expected for the middle and upper Texas coast, where 10 inches or more of rain will be possible for isolated spots. 

Conditions begin to improve for Texas by the middle and end of the week, our forecast would trend drier and hotter as Nicholas pulls away.

Again, we recommend checking back frequently with the forecast because any shift westward would bring heavier rainfall potential and a flooding threat to parts of Central Texas.

MONDAY NIGHT: 
Mostly cloud with a 40% chance of showers and storms. East wind at 5-10 mph, gusting up to 20 mph.
LOW: 71° 

TUESDAY: 
Mostly cloudy with a 40% chance of scattered showers and storms. Northeast wind at 10-15 mph, gusting close to 20 mph.
HIGH: 85° 

WEDNESDAY:
Partly cloudy with a 30% chance of scattered showers and storms. Northeast wind at 5-15 mph.
HIGH: 89° 

7-DAY FORECAST:

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