Hurricane Imelda Hits Bermuda After Rare Encounter With Humberto

HAMILTON, Bermuda — Hurricane Imelda impacted Bermuda late Wednesday night, bringing strong winds and heavy rain as it approached the island. With its core recording sustained winds of up to 100 mph, the storm delivered a heavy blow to the archipelago.

Rain and wind battered Bermuda for hours before Imelda weakened to a Category 1 hurricane with 90 mph winds, emerging 80 miles east-northeast of the island early Thursday. Officials expect rainfall totals of up to 4 inches, raising concerns about flash flooding.

This unusual weather week had already seen Hurricane Humberto brush by Bermuda on Tuesday. Although Humberto has lost its tropical status, its combined chaos with Imelda has raised warning levels for residents. According to Michael Lowry, meteorological expert, their proximity—about 450 miles apart—marks one of the closest pairs of named Atlantic storms observed since 1966.

Imelda’s direct approach to Bermuda poses serious risks even for the area’s experienced residents, with large waves and surging waters expected to cause coastal damage. As the storm moves into the cooler waters of the Atlantic, meteorologists predict it will weaken further into a tropical storm by Friday.

In addition to its impact on Bermuda, Tropical Storm Imelda has already proven deadly to residents elsewhere. In Cuba, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero reported two fatalities, including a man who died when a landslide hit his home. In Volusia County, Florida, a man drowned after being swept away by strong rip currents, highlighting the dangers posed by the storm system.

Additionally, in North Carolina‘s Outer Banks, at least seven homes have been lost as coastal erosion and storm surges compromised their foundations, according to the National Park Service. Although these homes were unoccupied during the incidents, hazardous debris remains a concern for residents.

As the situation develops, authorities continue to monitor Imelda’s progress and impact on surrounding areas.