Tropical Storm Imelda Strengthens, Hurricane Humberto Poses Double Threat to Bermuda

MIAMI, FL — Tropical Storm Imelda is strengthening and is expected to become a hurricane by Tuesday as it approaches the Southeast coast, causing high surf, rip currents, coastal flooding, and beach erosion from Florida through the Carolinas.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Humberto, which momentarily reached Category 5 strength with 160 mph winds on Saturday, has now weakened to a large Category 3 hurricane. Humberto’s vast size is expected to increase dangers for US beaches, leading to strong rip currents and large waves reaching further north along the East Coast.

The risk of high rip currents will extend along much of the Eastern Seaboard on Tuesday. Although Imelda is anticipated to remain well offshore, its expansive storminess may still bring wet weather to certain coastal areas, with localized flash flooding likely in the Carolinas through Tuesday.

As of Monday evening, Imelda had sustained winds of 65 mph and was located about 200 miles east of Cape Canaveral, Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center. Forecasts indicate the storm will intensify into a hurricane early Tuesday and travel parallel to Florida’s Atlantic coast before making a sharp turn eastward into open waters.

This change in trajectory is attributed to Humberto’s influence; its proximity prevents Imelda from approaching the shore, reducing potential flooding and wind damage for the U.S. compared to previous forecasts.

As precautions were taken along the Southeast coast, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster activated statewide response plans but later rescinded that order. Charleston has declared a local state of emergency, distributing sandbags and clearing storm drains in preparation.

Returning to the Bahamas, Imelda has already caused heavy rain and storm surge over the weekend. Hurricane watches are anticipated for Bermuda, where Humberto could deliver rain and high winds early this week. Following Humberto, Imelda may arrive near Bermuda on Wednesday, risking a direct landfall and bringing up to 4 inches of rain.

So far this year, the US has not experienced a hurricane landfall, maintaining a decade-long record without a direct impact from a hurricane. Despite this, the 2025 season has seen notable strength in storms like Erin, Gabrielle, and Humberto.

The interaction between Imelda and Humberto, a phenomenon called the Fujiwhara effect, may impact their paths and intensities, as meteorologists predict them to spiral around each other.

With these storms posing heavy threats to Bermuda and remaining hazardous for the US, preparations continue as the season progresses with a close watch on their developments.