Document this storm separately

Should you have any damage as a result of Tropical Storm Nicole, it is imperative that the damage be documented separately from damage as a result of Hurricane Ian.  These would be two separate applications for relief from FEMA.

Here’s the latest information that we have available at this time.

Anticipated impacts:

  • Based on the latest forecasts, it’s anticipated that Nicole will be a Category 1 hurricane when it makes landfall on the east coast of Florida sometime Wednesday or Thursday.
  • 2 to 4 inches of rain with localized flooding is expected in Lee County.

No widespread power outages are currently anticipated.

Sheltering:

  • Many residents are living in damaged homes because of Hurricane Ian or may be staying in RVs or tents on their property. The following shelter options will be available beginning at 7 a.m. Wednesday, and both are pet-friendly:
    • Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd.
    • North Fort Myers Recreation Center, 2000 Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers, 33903.
      • Please do not go to these locations today, as they are being used for the election.
  • Remember, these shelters are options, particularly for island residents who were previously impacted. No evacuation orders are in place at this time. These shelters are to boost safety and comfort for residents whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Ian.
  • For those who need help getting to shelters, the county has activated the Emergency Transportation Plan, which involves using LeeTran. People can go to Coconut Point Mall for a ride to a shelter. The service is free.
  • If additional information is needed, call United Way’s Storm Hotline at 211 for help. Or call the LeeTran Customer Service at 239-533- 8726 or LeeTran Passport Services at 239-533-0300.

Blue Roof Program:

  • The county’s state and federal partners have spoken about the resiliency of Blue Roofs.
  • As an example, 88% of the Blue Roofs that were installed after Hurricane Laura withstood winds from Hurricane Delta (Category 1) in Louisiana in 2020.

  Disaster Recovery Centers:

  • In an abundance of caution, the Disaster Recovery Center at Lakes Regional Library will close while Nicole passes.
  • Reopening decisions will be announced on the weekend.

 Debris:

  • Residents should monitor local meteorologists and the National Hurricane Center and pay close attention to the earliest arrival time for potential tropical-storm force gusts.
  • Garbage and recycling collections will continue as regularly scheduled until tropical storm force winds are sustained.
  • If storm debris is already cleared:
    • Remove anything outside your home that could become a projectile during a storm including your garbage cans, lids and recycle carts and store them inside.
  • The Village recognizes that residents have concerns about Hurricane Ian debris piles. For now, know that the Village and Lee County are working to continue debris collection today and this week.
  • If there is debris in front of a home:
    • Residents can take photographs of debris at their curbside prior to Nicole’s arrival and again after the storm passes. This can assist the debris hauler and Solid Waste, if needed, with FEMA reimbursement.