Tropical Storm Imelda and Hurricane Humberto are affecting the Bahamas and Bermuda, causing weather disruptions. Imelda is near Great Abaco Island, with winds of 50 mph, and is expected to become a hurricane on Tuesday, according to CW39
Imelda is expected to move into the open ocean after getting stronger, but it is bringing heavy rain and possible flooding to the northwestern Bahamas. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Eleuthera, the Abacos, Grand Bahama Island, and nearby keys. Authorities have prepared for power outages and school closures to keep residents safe. Humberto, a Category 4 hurricane with 145 mph winds, is far from Bermuda and is not expected to have major effects on the U.S. The two storms are close enough to interact, which is expected to push Imelda away from the southeastern U.S. through a phenomenon called the Fujiwhara effect, where storms rotate around each other.
The Carolinas are expecting heavy rainfall as Tropical Storm Imelda approaches, with up to 2 inches forecasted in Charlotte and Raleigh and stronger rain along the coast in Charleston and Wilmington, with gusts up to 40 mph, causing dangerous surf and rip currents, said DaSilva. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has deployed search and rescue teams, while North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency, noting “some near misses this season regarding severe storms,” as per CW39. Bermuda is positioned between Hurricane Humberto and the approaching Imelda, and Michael Weeks, Bermuda’s national security minister, advised preparation. Flights to the Bahamas have been suspended. Imelda in 2019 caused five deaths and $5 billion in damages in Southeast Texas, as reported by KHOU.
