Hurricane Nicole is disrupting filming in some areas as film agencies prepare for more severe weather

Florida and South Carolina are bracing for their second hurricane in five weeks, and local film and television production is being hit again.

Tropical Storm Nicole is expected to affect the Sunshine State’s Atlantic coast tonight as a Category 1 hurricane with coastal flooding, high winds, rain and possible tornadoes that could continue into early Saturday. Film and TV productions on Florida’s east coast, South Georgia and South Carolina are bracing for impacts as the National Hurricane Center warns that “threats will affect much of Peninsular Florida and parts of the southeastern United States.”

“Currently, the Orlando Film Office is rescheduling some commercial and short film sessions for some productions in the area,” Brooke Hill, coordinator of innovation and technology at the Orlando Film Commission, told Deadline.

Alberto Jordat, operations manager at the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission in Florida, told Deadline that of the six projects that have just been filmed there, they are “waiting for the storm to end early.” He said there are now “no outstanding productions” but noted that the film agency is ready to start issuing new film licenses as soon as possible. Provincial offices remain closed today and Thursday in anticipation of the coming storm.

Beth Nelson, executive director of the Savannah Film Commission, told Deadline: “Productions are getting ready. I think it will be a matter of a day and then they’ll go back to work when the storm is over.” For now, she said, “We’re watching things. It’s a bit early to say.”

The preparations come after Hurricane Ian ravaged parts of Florida, causing widespread damage and destruction. Ian, which made landfall on the Gulf Coast on September 28 as a Category 4 hurricane, is the fifth strongest storm to ever hit the contiguous United States. Recovery is expected to take many months.

Erik Pedersen contributed to this report.