Tropical Storm Imelda emerged in the Caribbean on Sunday, setting the stage for potential disruption across parts of the Bahamas and Cuba while drawing attention from forecasters in Florida.
The storm is anticipated to strengthen into a hurricane as it follows a track that could steer it away from the U.S. East Coast by early next week.
Although Imelda is expected to remain distant from Miami, the outer rain bands may still deliver squalls to the area on Sunday and Monday.
To safeguard against possible winds of 40-45 mph at sea, the National Weather Service issued a tropical storm warning for boaters.
At approximately 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, Imelda was approximately 95 miles (152.89 kilometers) west-northwest of the Central Bahamas and about 370 miles (595.46 kilometers) southeast of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Moving north at a speed of 7 mph (11 kph), the system featured maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph).
According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, the storm is projected to traverse the central and northwestern Bahamas on Sunday and Sunday night before veering east-northeastward, away from the southeastern U.S. by the middle of the week.
In light of Imelda’s potential effects, a tropical storm watch has been put into effect for the east coast of Florida from the Palm Beach-Martin County Line to the Flagler-Volusia County Line.
Residents along the southeastern coast of the U.S. have been urged to remain vigilant and monitor developments concerning the storm.
A tropical storm watch indicates that tropical storm conditions may be possible within the next 48 hours.
In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster advised the public to stay alert and closely monitor the weather.
Despite the watch, coastal Georgetown County reported a return to normal operations following an improved forecast.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein had already declared a state of emergency ahead of the formation of Tropical Storm Imelda.
“This storm is deadly serious. Not just serious. Deadly serious,” Governor McMaster emphasized during a news conference addressing the storm’s potential impact.
He highlighted the possibility of high winds and heavy rain leading to flooding, prompting the state to preposition search and rescue crews for readiness.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Humberto has displayed a slight weakening but remains a formidable Category 4 hurricane.
As of Sunday, Humberto’s maximum sustained winds were recorded at 150 mph (240 kph), with its location approximately 535 miles (861 kilometers) south of Bermuda, moving west-northwest at 13 mph (20 kph).
Forecasters caution that a tropical storm watch may be necessary in Bermuda later on Sunday, and swells from the storm could affect the U.S. East Coast by Monday.
Residing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Alison Dagostino recounted her experience of preparing for hurricanes since moving to the area six years ago.
“People are still out and about. People are still walking on the beach,” she observed on Sunday, sharing that school and sports events remained scheduled despite the threat posed by the storms.
Tropical Storm Imelda is particularly concerning for parts of Cuba and the Bahamas, where heavy rainfall and flash flooding pose significant dangers.
A tropical storm warning is currently in effect for portions of the Bahamas as the meteorological department has forecasted moderate to heavy rain across the northwest and central islands, including Nassau, Andros Island, San Salvador, and Long Island.
Rainfall amounts are expected to reach between 6 inches (15 centimeters) and 12 inches (30 centimeters), while some isolated areas may receive up to 10 inches (25 centimeters).
The Bahamas’ Department of Meteorology urged residents in low-lying areas to take precautions to prevent property damage due to flooding risks.
On Sunday, storm surges were predicted to elevate water levels up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) above normal tide levels along the coasts of the Abaco Islands and the north and east coasts of Grand Bahama, along with all nearby cays.
Additionally, the National Weather Service in Puerto Rico warned inexperienced mariners and operators of smaller boats to avoid navigating the hazardous waters, given swells from Humberto which were forecasted to reach between 7 feet (2 meters) and 8 feet (2.4 meters) in Atlantic waters.
In the Dominican Republic, the weather conditions on Friday led to the evacuation of hundreds of people, yet on Sunday, forecasts indicated only moderate showers and thunderstorms in some inland areas.
The Dominican Institute of Meteorology stated that while Humberto posed no direct threat to the nation, vessels should remain close to the coastline and avoid venturing out to sea due to abnormal wave activity.
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