Imelda Intensifies: Hurricane Hits US Southeast Coast as Bermuda Braces for Twin Storms Impact
Hurricane Imelda Intensifies, Threatens Bermuda and East Coast with Dangerous Conditions
Hurricane Imelda has intensified, transitioning into a Category 1 hurricane on Tuesday while moving away from the Southeast coast. The storm is now joining forces with Hurricane Humberto, creating hazardous surf, rip currents, coastal flooding, and beach erosion along the East Coast. This rare dual-threat scenario poses significant risks for Bermuda, which braces for the impacts of both storms.
Hurricane Humberto and Imelda: A Rare Storm Pairing
As of Tuesday morning, Hurricane Imelda boasts sustained winds of 75 mph and is situated approximately 755 miles west-southwest of Bermuda, as reported by the National Hurricane Center. Meanwhile, Hurricane Humberto, which briefly reached Category 5 strength with winds of 160 mph, has downgraded to a large Category 2 hurricane located just hundreds of miles east of Imelda.
The considerable size of Humberto will amplify risks for United States beaches this week, exacerbating dangerous rip currents and large waves extending further north along the East Coast compared to the effects of Imelda alone. Expert Michael Lowry notes that the unusual proximity of these two storms—around 450 miles apart—marks one of the ten closest pairs of named Atlantic storms since satellite tracking began in 1966.
Storm Impacts Across the Region and Casualties Reported
Imelda’s approach has already caused considerable damage. The storm moved away from the Bahamas on Monday evening after delivering heavy rainfall and strong winds for two consecutive days. Tragically, a 51-year-old man drowned in Volusia County, Florida, after being swept into the ocean by rip currents. Additionally, in Cuba, two fatalities have been confirmed due to the storm, including a 60-year-old man who died when his house collapsed during a landslide triggered by persistent rainfall.
Potential for Flooding in the Carolina Coast
Localized flash flooding remains a threat in the coastal Carolinas through Tuesday. Forecasts predict rainfall amounts of up to 2 inches for most areas, with certain regions in southeast North Carolina possibly receiving up to 4 inches. Moreover, 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 land at high tide.
Shift in Storm Trajectories and Reduced Landfall Risk
As Imelda makes a sharp turn eastward, driven by the presence of Humberto, the threats of flooding rain and damaging winds have significantly diminished for the U.S. this week. Remarkably, the United States has so far evaded any hurricane landfall this year. While Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall in South Carolina earlier this July, no hurricanes have reached the coast at hurricane strength in 2025. If this trend continues, it would mark the first season without a landfalling hurricane in a decade.
Remarkable Hurricane Season Trends
This hurricane season has been historically unusual, with its first three hurricanes—Erin, Gabrielle, and Humberto—each achieving major strength, a phenomenon not witnessed since 1935. Major hurricanes are defined as Category 3, 4, and 5 storms, and rapid intensification has become increasingly common in recent years due to climate change driven by fossil fuel emissions. Although Imelda is expected to peak as a Category 2 hurricane, it will still be the first of the season to remain below major strength.
Bermuda Prepares for One-Two Punch from Twin Storms
Bermuda is bracing itself as both storms approach, with Humberto currently passing west of the island, leading to rainfall, strong winds, and perilous surf patterns. A hurricane watch is in effect as Imelda is anticipated to get even closer to Bermuda than Humberto, with projections indicating a direct landfall that could bring up to 4 inches of rain from Wednesday into Thursday. The seasoned and storm-tested islands may face unprecedented challenges as these storms converge.
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