MIAMI (AP) - Hurricane Humberto is expected to create dangerous surf conditions for Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast this week, while Tropical Storm Imelda is strengthening near the Bahamas, according to forecasters.
As of early Monday, Humberto remained a powerful Category 4 hurricane in the Atlantic. A Tropical Storm Watch was issued for Bermuda by the National Hurricane Center in Miami. At 2 a.m. EDT, Humberto was approximately 400 miles (645 kilometers) south-southwest of Bermuda, moving northwest at 14 mph (22 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 kph).
The storm is projected to gradually change direction before accelerating east-northeast by late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Humberto's intensity may fluctuate over the coming days, but it is expected to remain a dangerous major hurricane for at least the next few days.
Tropical Storm Imelda formed on Sunday and is slowly gaining strength. At 2 a.m. EDT, Imelda was located about 130 miles (210 kilometers) northwest of the central Bahamas and 315 miles (505 km) southeast of Cape Canaveral, Florida. The storm was moving north at 8 mph (13 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph).
Imelda poses a threat to parts of Cuba and the Bahamas, bringing heavy rainfall and the risk of flash flooding. Portions of the Bahamas are currently under a tropical storm warning. The Bahamas Department of Meteorology forecasts moderate to heavy rains over the northwest and central islands, including Nassau, Andros Island, San Salvador, and Long Island. Rainfall totals could reach between 6 inches (15 centimeters) and 12 inches (30 centimeters), with isolated areas receiving up to 10 inches (25 centimeters).
Authorities in the Bahamas are urging residents in low-lying areas to take steps to mitigate property damage due to flooding. On Sunday, the normally busy streets and waterfronts of New Providence Island were deserted as light but consistent rain began flooding roads. Choppy seas and strong gusts also kept tourists and residents away from the popular Potter's Cay Dock in Nassau. Many flights to and from the islands were canceled, with airports expected to reopen once weather conditions improve.
In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster warned that Imelda could bring high winds, heavy rain, and flooding to the state. Emergency authorities were prepositioning search and rescue crews over the weekend in preparation. "What we learn every time is we never know where they are going to go," McMaster stated during a news conference on emergency preparations, emphasizing that "This storm is deadly serious. Not just serious. Deadly serious."
North Carolina's Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency even before Imelda had formed, indicating proactive measures taken to prepare for any potential impact.
