MIAMI (AP) – A weather system projected to develop into Tropical Storm Imelda later in the day is causing significant disruptions in the Bahamas and surrounding islands. This system, currently designated as Tropical Depression Nine, is anticipated to approach the South Carolina coast as a hurricane by early next week.
As of 0900 GMT on Sunday, the developing storm was positioned approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) west-southwest of the Central Bahamas, moving north-northwest at a speed of 7 mph (11 kph). Maximum sustained winds were recorded at 35 mph (55 kph). South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has advised residents to closely monitor the weather and to remain vigilant as the situation unfolds. In neighboring North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the approaching weather system.
Forecasters have indicated that the system is on track to be classified as a tropical storm by the end of Sunday and could escalate into a hurricane by late Monday or Tuesday, which would then be named Imelda. Governor McMaster emphasized the seriousness of the situation during a news conference, stating, "This storm is deadly serious. Not just serious. Deadly serious." The potential for high winds and heavy rainfall raises concerns about possible flooding, prompting the prepositioning of search and rescue crews over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Humberto has weakened slightly but remains a formidable Category 4 storm, boasting maximum sustained winds of 155 mph (250 kph). As of the latest reports, Humberto was about 585 miles (945 kilometers) south of Bermuda, traveling west-northwest at 13 mph (20 kph). The National Hurricane Center in Miami has cautioned that a tropical storm watch may be necessary for Bermuda later in the day, with swells expected to reach the U.S. East Coast on Monday.
Tropical Depression Nine is threatening parts of Cuba and the Bahamas with heavy rains, which could lead to flash flooding. Several areas in the Bahamas are currently under a tropical storm warning, and additional warnings and watches are anticipated later in the day. The Bahamas' Department of Meteorology has advised residents in the northwest and central islands—including Nassau, Andros Island, San Salvador, and Long Island—to complete any necessary preparations for tropical storm conditions. They particularly urged residents in low-lying regions to take proactive measures to mitigate potential property damage from flooding.
Additionally, the tropical disturbance has already imparted heavy rain to the Dominican Republic, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of people and prompting authorities to declare a red alert in five provinces. The impact of these storms raises critical concerns for residents in vulnerable areas across the Caribbean.
In the Pacific, Tropical Storm Narda, which was formerly classified as a hurricane, is currently situated approximately 1,045 miles (1,680 kilometers) west-southwest of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula. Narda is advancing north at a speed of 5 mph (7 kph), with maximum sustained winds reaching 60 mph (95 kph). The swells generated by Narda are affecting coastal regions of Mexico and Baja California Sur, creating life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, particularly in Southern California.
