Miami (AP) – Hurricane Hambelt is anticipated to generate hazardous surf conditions this week across Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast, while Tropical Storm Imelda is reportedly intensifying near the Bahamas, according to forecasters.
Humbert reached a formidable Category 4 status in the Atlantic early Monday, prompting Tropical Storm watches in Bermuda, as stated by the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
At 2 AM EDT, Hambelt was situated approximately 400 miles (645 km) northwest of Bermuda, with sustained winds of 140 mph (220 kph) moving at 14 mph (22 kph) northwest, according to the Center’s report.
The storm is projected to gradually turn before speeding up toward the East-Northeast by late Tuesday or early Wednesday. While Hambelt’s intensity may fluctuate in the coming days, it is expected to remain a significant and dangerous hurricane.
Imelda formed on Sunday and is gradually gaining strength, with the Hurricane Center reporting at 2 AM EDT the storm was located about 130 miles (210 kilometers) northwest of the Central Bahamas and around 315 miles (505 kilometers) southeast of Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
Imelda is moving north at 8 mph (13 kph) with maximum sustained winds clocking in at 45 mph (75 kph), as noted by the Center.
Imelda is posing a threat to parts of Cuba and the Bahamas
On Sunday, the storm jeopardized areas of Cuba and the Bahamas with intense rainfall and flash flooding. Warnings for tropical storms were in effect in certain regions of the Bahamas.
The Bahamas Weather Service indicated that moderate to heavy rains are expected to persist over the Northwest and Central Islands, including Nassau, Andros Island, San Salvador, and Long Island. Rainfall could exceed 6 inches (15 cm) to 12 inches (30 cm), with isolated regions experiencing as much as 10 inches (25 cm).
“Residents in low-lying areas should take precautions to minimize flood-related property damage,” the department urged in a statement.
The usually bustling streets and beaches of New Providence Island experienced heavy rainfall on Sunday, leading to the cancellation of various events. The rough seas and strong winds caused tourists and residents to evacuate from Nassau’s well-known Potter Cadock.
The island’s airport is expected to reopen once weather conditions improve.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster warned that Imelda could bring strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding to his state, prompting officials to prepare search and rescue teams over the weekend.
“We learn each time that it’s impossible to predict the storm’s path,” McMaster said during a press conference on emergency preparations. “This storm is dangerous and serious—it’s not just serious; it’s potentially fatal.”
In North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency even before Imelda developed.
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Furisaro reported from Miami, with contributions from Safiyah Riddle of Montgomery, Alabama, and Regina Garciacano of Caracas, Venezuela.
Source: apnews.com