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As ocean waters warm, the East Coast prepares for the impacts of Tropical Storm Imelda. Forecasts indicate that Imelda may intensify into a hurricane by Tuesday. The storm is moving away from the Southeast coastline, creating hazardous conditions along beaches from Florida to the Carolinas.
Coastal flooding, strong surf, and dangerous rip currents are anticipated, raising concerns for residents and visitors alike.
Another storm, Hurricane Humberto, has gained attention after briefly reaching Category 5 status with winds of 160 mph. Currently classified as a Category 3 hurricane, Humberto is located several hundred miles east of Imelda.
Its expansive reach may further increase dangers along the coastline. The combination of these two storms presents a significant threat, as Humberto will push dangerous waves and strong rip currents further north than what Imelda could achieve alone.
Potential impacts along the coast
Despite Imelda’s center remaining offshore, its influence will still be felt along the East Coast. The storm is expected to bring wet weather to coastal regions of the Carolinas, potentially leading to localized flash flooding through Tuesday. However, rainfall predictions have been adjusted to estimate totals of around one inch or less in many areas.
Coastal flooding remains a concern, especially along shorelines from Florida’s Space Coast to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Onshore winds may elevate water levels by one to two feet above the usual high tide, creating risky conditions for beachgoers and local wildlife.
Impact on the Bahamas
Over the weekend, the Bahamas experienced the effects of Imelda, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and significant storm surge. As the storm shifted away from the islands, attention turned to its path along the Atlantic coast.
As of Monday evening, Imelda was reported to have sustained winds of 65 mph, located about 200 miles east of Cape Canaveral, Florida. The storm is forecasted to strengthen into a hurricane early Tuesday while tracking parallel to Florida’s Atlantic shoreline before veering eastward into open waters. This change in direction is influenced by Humberto, which is drawing Imelda away from the coast, thereby reducing the chances of severe weather impacts.
Emergency preparations and responses
In anticipation of storm impacts, officials across the Southeast took proactive measures. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Friday and activated emergency response plans but lifted it by Monday as conditions improved. Charleston, South Carolina, also declared a local emergency and began distributing sandbags to mitigate potential flooding.
Similarly, North Carolina’s Governor Josh Stein issued a state of emergency to mobilize resources in preparation for possible impacts. However, as forecasts showed less threat, the urgency of these preparations diminished.
Bermuda’s vulnerability
Unexpectedly, Bermuda may face direct impacts from Imelda after initially avoiding the storm’s brunt. Humberto is likely to move west of Bermuda, bringing strong winds, rain, and hazardous surf. Following this, Imelda could approach even closer to the island, with landfall possibilities projected for Wednesday into Thursday. The storm could deliver up to four inches of rain to Bermuda, prompting the Bermuda Weather Service to issue a hurricane watch.
Having endured two hurricanes in quick succession could be challenging for the island, which is accustomed to seasonal storms. This year’s developments have been notable, as the United States has avoided a direct hurricane impact so far, with only Tropical Storm Chantal making landfall in South Carolina earlier this year.
Trends in hurricane activity
Another storm, Hurricane Humberto, has gained attention after briefly reaching Category 5 status with winds of 160 mph. Currently classified as a Category 3 hurricane, Humberto is located several hundred miles east of Imelda. Its expansive reach may further increase dangers along the coastline. The combination of these two storms presents a significant threat, as Humberto will push dangerous waves and strong rip currents further north than what Imelda could achieve alone.0
