Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda Threaten Eastern U.S. and Caribbean

Sun Oct 19 2025 20:31:17 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Hurricane Humberto remains a powerful Category 4 storm while Tropical Storm Imelda strengthens near the Bahamas, posing threats of heavy rainfall and dangerous surf for coastal areas.

Hurricane Humberto, a vigorous Category 4 storm, is likely to create hazardous surf along Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast, while Tropical Storm Imelda is gaining strength and threatens heavy rainfall and flooding in the Bahamas and Cuba. Local authorities are advising residents to prepare for potential flooding and severe weather conditions.

MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Humberto is anticipated to produce dangerous surf for Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast this week, while Tropical Storm Imelda is gaining strength near the Bahamas, forecasters report.

As of early Monday, Humberto remained a powerful Category 4 storm in the Atlantic. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Bermuda, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. At 2 a.m. EDT, the storm was located about 400 miles (645 kilometers) south-southwest of Bermuda, moving northwest at 14 mph (22 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 kph).

The storm is expected to gradually change direction before accelerating east-northeast by late Tuesday or early Wednesday. While Humberto's intensity may fluctuate in the coming days, it is projected to remain a major hurricane for at least two more days.

Simultaneously, Imelda formed on Sunday and is gradually strengthening. At 2 a.m. EDT, it was located about 130 miles (210 kilometers) northwest of the central Bahamas and approximately 315 miles (505 km) southeast of Cape Canaveral, Florida, moving north at 8 mph (13 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph).

Imelda Threatens Parts of Cuba and the Bahamas

This storm threatens parts of Cuba and the Bahamas with heavy rainfall and flash flooding, prompting tropical storm warnings for certain regions. The Bahamas’ meteorological department forewarned that moderate to heavy rains could persist over the northwest and central islands, including Nassau, Andros Island, San Salvador, and Long Island, with total rainfall potentially reaching between 6 and 12 inches.

Authorities in the Bahamas urged residents living in low-lying areas to take precautions to minimize property damage from flooding. On New Providence Island, typically busy streets and seaside areas were deserted as rain began to flood roads, and tourist spots like Potter’s Cay Dock remained empty due to choppy seas and gusty conditions.

Flight cancellations occurred as airports are expected to remain closed until conditions improve. In South Carolina, officials warned that Imelda could bring high winds and flooding, with pre-positioned search and rescue teams on standby. North Carolina has also declared a state of emergency in preparation for the storm.

Residents in both states have been advised of the storm's seriousness, emphasizing the unpredictability of its path and potential damages.