A formidable weather system, currently anticipated to become Tropical Storm Imelda later today and a full-fledged hurricane early next week, is on a collision course with the South Carolina coast. This developing storm has already initiated disruptions across the Bahamas and surrounding islands.
Meanwhile, in the Atlantic, Hurricane Humberto, despite a slight decrease in strength, maintains its status as a potent Category 4 storm, posing a direct threat to Bermuda.
In light of these impending weather events, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has urgently advised residents to closely monitor weather updates and remain vigilant. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has already declared a state of emergency as a precautionary measure against Tropical Depression Nine, the system expected to become Imelda.
Meteorological predictions indicate that this system will escalate into a tropical storm later on Sunday, eventually reaching hurricane strength by late Monday or early Tuesday, at which point it will officially be named Imelda.
As of 9:00 AM GMT on Sunday, the system was located approximately 100 miles (160 km) west-southwest of the Central Bahamas, moving north-northwest at a pace of 7 mph (11 kmph). Its current maximum sustained winds are 35 mph (55 kmph).
During a recent news conference, Governor McMaster emphasized the unpredictable nature of such storms. “What we learn every time is we never know where they are going to go,” he stated. “This storm is deadly serious. Not just serious. Deadly serious.”
He further cautioned that the storm could unleash severe high winds and torrential rainfall, leading to widespread flooding. In preparation, the state has strategically deployed search and rescue teams across the affected areas throughout the weekend.
Hurricane Humberto: A Lingering Threat Despite Slight Weakening
The National Hurricane Center in Miami reported that Humberto continues to carry maximum sustained winds of 155 mph (250 kmph), firmly establishing it as a dangerous Category 4 hurricane. Its last recorded position was approximately 585 miles (945 km) south of Bermuda, moving west-northwest at 13 mph (20 kmph).
Forecasters anticipate that a tropical storm watch may become necessary for Bermuda later today, and powerful ocean swells generated by Humberto could reach the U.S. East Coast by Monday.
Simultaneously, Tropical Depression Nine is bringing significant rainfall and the risk of flash flooding to parts of Cuba and the Bahamas, with several regions in the latter already under a tropical storm warning. The hurricane center expects additional warnings and watches to be issued throughout Sunday.
The Bahamas’ Department of Meteorology has advised residents in the northwestern and central islands, including Nassau, Andros Island, San Salvador, and Long Island, to complete all final preparations for tropical storm conditions. The system’s core is projected to traverse this region over the course of Sunday.
The department’s statement urged: “Residents in low-lying areas should take actions to mitigate property damage due to flooding.”
This same tropical disturbance previously battered the Dominican Republic on Friday, unleashing heavy rains that prompted authorities to evacuate hundreds of people and declare a red alert across five provinces.
Pacific Update: Tropical Storm Narda’s Trajectory
In the Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Narda, which recently downgraded from a hurricane, is currently positioned approximately 1,045 miles (1,680 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. It is moving northward at a slow pace of 5 mph (7 kmph), maintaining maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kmph).
Forecasters warn that swells generated by Narda are already impacting coastal Mexico and Baja California Sur, and there is a possibility of life-threatening surf and rip current conditions developing in Southern California.