Imelda and Humberto unleash double threat with dangerous surf and coastal flooding in US and consecutive hurricanes in Bermuda
Tropical Storm Imelda Strengthens Ahead of Hurricane Status: Coastal Hazards Loom
Tropical Storm Imelda is gaining strength and is projected to escalate into a hurricane by Tuesday as it progresses off the Southeast coast. This storm poses significant threats, including dangerous surf, rip currents, potential coastal flooding, and beach erosion from Florida through the Carolinas. Meanwhile, Hurricane Humberto, which recently intensified into a rare Category 5 storm with maximum winds of 160 mph, has since been downgraded to a large Category 3 hurricane, posing additional risks to US beaches this week.
Potential Hazards from Tropical Storm Imelda and Hurricane Humberto
While the center of Imelda is anticipated to remain offshore, recent updates indicate that its expansive storm effects will still bring inclement weather in some regions. The National Hurricane Center reports that localized flash flooding remains a concern in the coastal Carolinas through Tuesday, although estimated rainfall totals have significantly decreased to about an inch or less in most areas.
Coastal flooding risks extend from Florida’s Space Coast to North Carolina’s Outer Banks, where onshore winds could elevate water levels by 1 to 2 feet above normally dry ground at high tide. With both storms interacting, the coastal communities must remain alert to changing conditions.
Impact on the Bahamas and Bermuda
The Bahamas experienced the effects of Imelda’s winds, heavy rain, and storm surge over the weekend before the storm shifted away on Monday afternoon. As of Monday evening, Imelda sustained winds measured at 65 mph, positioned approximately 200 miles east of Cape Canaveral, Florida. The storm is predicted to develop into a hurricane early Tuesday as it travels parallel to Florida’s Atlantic Coast.
Bermuda faces a challenging situation as well, anticipating a rare one-two punch from these storms. Humberto is expected to approach from the west, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, and hazardous surf. Following Humberto, Imelda may track closer to Bermuda, with a potential landfall from Wednesday to Thursday, bringing with it the possibility of up to 4 inches of rain.
Emergency Preparedness and Response in Affected States
Officials in the Southeast have been proactive in preparing for these storms. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Friday to activate statewide response plans but lifted it on Monday as the forecast improved. Additionally, Charleston issued a local emergency declaration and began distributing sandbags, while North Carolina Governor Josh Stein issued a similar emergency declaration to mobilize resources.
Hurricane Season Insights: A Rare Year for US Landfalls
This hurricane season has presented an unusual trend, as the US has avoided a direct hurricane landfall thus far. While Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall in South Carolina earlier this July, no hurricanes have reached the coast this season. Should this trend continue, it will mark the first year in a decade without a hurricane impacting land directly.
Still, 2023 has seen a notable increase in hurricane activity focused on major storms. Hurricanes like Erin, Gabrielle, and Humberto have all achieved significant strength, a phenomenon not observed as early in the season since 1935. The rise of rapid intensification events is increasingly common, attributed to climate change and fossil fuel pollution.
As forecasters continue to monitor these storms, residents along the coasts must stay informed and prepared for potential impacts in the coming days.
