Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda are spinning about in the western Atlantic kicking up surf across a very large area. While neither storm will hit the U.S., both will produce rough surf and dangerous rip current conditions for much of the U.S. East Coast for the next few days. In addition to being pounded by rough surf from both systems, it is also becoming likely that Hurricane Imelda will make a direct impact to Bermuda. Because of that threat, a Hurricane Warning has been issued for Bermuda.
According to the latest advisories from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Imelda is located about 665 miles west-southwest of Bermuda and has winds of 85 mph. Hurricane Humberto is about 295 miles west-northwest of Bermuda and has winds of 80 mph.
The Government of Bermuda has issued a Hurricane Warning there. A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. The NHC warns, “Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.”
Imelda is moving toward the east-northeast near 12 mph now. According to the NHC, a generally east-northeastward motion at a faster forward speed is expected over the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the center of the hurricane will approach Bermuda Wednesday afternoon. Some additional strengthening is forecast during the next day or so.
Hurricane conditions are expected over Bermuda by Wednesday evening, with tropical storm conditions likely by Wednesday afternoon. Across Bermuda, 2-4″ of rain is expected from Wednesday into Thursday, which could lead to flash flooding.
In Bermuda, a dangerous storm surge is expected to produce coastal flooding in areas of onshore winds. The surge will be accompanied by large and damaging waves.
Meanwhile, Humberto is moving toward the north near 17 mph. The NHC expects a turn to the northeast later today followed by a faster east-northeast motion on Wednesday and Thursday. On the forecast track, the center of Humberto will pass west of, and then north of, Bermuda on Wednesday.
Swells generated by Hurricane Imelda and Hurricane Humberto are affecting the Bahamas and are currently spreading to much of the U.S. east coast. Swells from the storms are likely to cause dangerous surf and life-threatening rip current conditions, affecting beaches of the northern Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, and much of the east coast of the United States over the next several days.
“These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions,” says the National Hurricane Center.
