WASHINGTON (TNND) — Tropical Storm Imelda is strengthening off the Southeast coast this week and can potentially reach hurricane status as dangerous surf and rip currents bring rough coastal conditions all the way from Florida to the Carolinas.
Hurricane Humberto is also stirring up coastal conditions and producing dangerous surf for Bermuda. The storm is currently a powerful Category 4, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
A tropical storm watch is in effect for Bermuda, with Humberto about 400 miles from Bermuda. The hurricane is moving northwest and is expected to gradually turn before accelerating east-northeast by late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Humberto’s intensity could fluctuate in the coming days before weakening, but it is forecast to remain a dangerous major hurricane over the next couple of days.
The National Hurricane Center reported the storm is moving at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph.
Imelda formed on Sunday, with the hurricane center saying it is gradually strengthening.
Overnight, the storm was about 130 miles northwest of the central Bahamas and about 315 miles southeast of Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
Imelda was moving north at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, the center said.
Portions of the Bahamas were under a tropical storm warning on Sunday as Imelda threatened with heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
The Bahamas’ Department of Meteorology said moderate to heavy rains would continue over the northwest and central islands, including Nassau, Andros Island, San Salvador and Long Island. Rainfall could top between 6 inches and 12 inches, with up to 10 inches in isolated spots.
“Residents in low-lying areas should take actions to mitigate property damage due to flooding,” the department said in a statement.
The usually busy streets and seaside of New Providence Island were deserted on Sunday as light but constant rain started to flood roads. Choppy sea water and gusts also kept tourists and residents away from the popular Potter’s Cay Dock in Nassau.
Flights to and from the islands were canceled, with airports expected to reopen after weather conditions improve.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said Imelda could bring high winds, heavy rain, and flooding to his state, and authorities there were prepositioning search and rescue crews over the weekend.
“What we learn every time is we never know where they are going to go,” McMaster said at a news conference to discuss emergency preparations. “This storm is deadly serious. Not just serious. Deadly serious.”
In North Carolina, Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency even before Imelda formed.
So far this year, the United States has not seen a hurricane reach the coast.
