(PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL)– County emergency management officials ordered the evacuation of certain areas of Palm Beach as Tropical Storm Nicole prepares to make landfall on Wednesday.

These areas include residents of barrier islands, mobile home communities and flood-prone areas.

Evacuation orders from these zones, designated A and B, will be in effect by 7am Wednesday.

The arrival of the storm may coincide with high tide which is expected to be at 8:25 PM on Wednesday.

“Flooding will be worse at high tide with 2-4 foot storm surge possible,” County Mayor Robert Weinroth said at an afternoon press conference.

See if you live in an evacuation zone at pbcgov.org

PalmTran bus service will be suspended at noon Wednesday.

There will be no garbage collection until after the storm passes and officials are urging residents to not put out bulk trash or yard debris until after the storm has passed.

A decision on Thursday trash collection will be made by 3pm Wednesday.

Public schools in Palm Beach County will be closed both Wednesday and Thursday due to Tropical Storm Nicole.

“We have been watching Tropical Storm Nicole closely before making our decision to close schools,” Superintendent Mike Burke said in a statement to parents Tuesday. “I will continue to work closely with emergency managers and make timely decisions in the best interest of our students and staff. I do not anticipate that the District will need to make up the two days I have designated that we will close this week.”

All Florida Atlantic University campuses have suspended operations and all classes, including online classes for Wednesday and Thursday as well.

In addition to the school closures, all athletic practices and competitions for middle and high schools are canceled for Wednesday and Thursday. 

The district plans to open six of its schools as emergency public shelters. 

The six schools will be:

• Independence Middle School
• Palm Beach Gardens High School
• Palm Beach Central High School
• Park Vista High School
• Lake Shore Middle School
• Pahokee Middle-Senior High

For residents with special needs, a shelter has been opened click here for more information. 

A pet-friendly shelter has been opened at West Boynton Recreational Center. 

Both shelters require advanced notice. 

All shelters will be available to the public starting at 7 a.m. Wednesday.