East Coast Braces for Hazardous Conditions as Humberto and Imelda Rage
The East Coast of the United States braces for hazardous marine conditions and rip currents over the next few days, as two powerful storms, Humberto and Imelda, make their presence felt. This comes amidst an unusually active Atlantic hurricane season, with nine cyclones forming so far.
Humberto, currently a Category 3 hurricane, is battering the Bahamas with winds up to 185 km/h. It is expected to transition into an extratropical cyclone, bringing stormy conditions to Western Europe and the British Isles. Meanwhile, Imelda, initially a tropical storm, has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane, dumping heavy rain on Cuba and threatening the southeastern United States with up to 100 mm of rain and potential flash flooding.
The Atlantic hurricane season has been exceptionally busy, with nine cyclones forming, including hurricanes Erin, Gabrielle, Humberto, and Imelda, and tropical storms Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, and Fernand. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had predicted an 'above-normal' season, estimating between 13 and 18 tropical storms, of which five to nine could become hurricanes.
Humberto's influence has steered Imelda eastward, sparing the U.S. mainland a direct hit but leaving coastal areas at risk. Over 18,000 people were evacuated in Cuba's Guantanamo province, and in Santiago, landslides cut off 17 communities with over 24,000 inhabitants due to Imelda's heavy rainfall.
As of now, Humberto was last located 440 kilometers west of Bermuda, with sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour. Imelda is situated 290 kilometers north of the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas, moving northeast at 11 kilometers per hour with sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour.
With Humberto and Imelda continuing their paths, residents along the East Coast are advised to remain vigilant and follow local guidance. The active Atlantic hurricane season serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and heeding weather warnings.
