Tropical Storm Nicole and a low pressure system are expected to dump 7-10 inches of rain overnight in Horry County. The combination of heavy rain, winds and possible tornadoes are expected tonight and into Thursday morning, according to forecasters with the National Weather Service in Wilmington, N.C.

The high accumulation of rain may cause areas of high water and potential flooding on roads and highways in surrounding areas.

At this time, the university is operating on a normal schedule. Students should allow extra time for travel to and from campus. Do not attempt to drive through standing water.

Also, students are urged sign up for CCU Alert to receive urgent emergency text messages through their mobile phones. www.coastal.edu/emergency/ccualert.html.

If conditions warrant, status updates will be posted on the CCU website. For the latest information about the projected path of the tropical storm, visit the Web sites of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) at www.nhc.noaa.gov or the Weather Channel at www.weather.com.