In brief
The outer bands of Hurricane Humberto have begun to impact Bermuda as it approaches the island, while Tropical Storm Imelda has resulted in fatalities and widespread danger across Cuba. The National Hurricane Center warns of intense winds and possible flooding, with both storms tracking dangerously close to affected regions.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The outer bands of Hurricane Humberto lashed Bermuda on Tuesday as the storm approached while another system, Hurricane Imelda, follows closely behind.
A hurricane watch was issued for Bermuda as officials reported warnings of dangerous seas, strong winds, and heavy rains.
As of Tuesday, Humberto was situated approximately 275 miles (440 kilometers) west of Bermuda, boasting maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 kph) and a north-northwest movement at 17 mph (28 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
On Tuesday and early Wednesday, Humberto is expected to pass safely west and north of Bermuda, whereas Imelda is projected to impact the island around Wednesday afternoon, potentially as a Category 2 hurricane, as determined by Bermuda’s Weather Service.
Imelda presently lies about 180 miles (290 kilometers) north of Great Abaco Island with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph) and is moving northeast at 7 mph (11 kph).
Bermuda’s Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks, remarked on the severity of weather conditions impacting the island this week, urging residents to take necessary precautions.
Bermuda's robust concrete infrastructure is resilient, but Humberto is anticipated to deliver up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) of rain, with Imelda potentially bringing an additional 4 inches (10 centimeters).
Imelda’s effects are currently felt along the southeastern coast of North Carolina, where the rain may trigger flash and urban flooding.
Meanwhile, Humberto creates dangerous surf conditions affecting northern Caribbean nations, the Bahamas, and much of the U.S. East Coast.
Imelda has already wreaked havoc in Cuba, where it caused two fatalities, as reported by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero. He indicated that 60-year-old Luis Mario Pérez Coiterio died due to landslides in Santiago de Cuba province.
The official newspaper Granma reported that flooding and landslides disrupted access to 17 communities, affecting over 24,000 residents. Additionally, over 18,000 individuals were evacuated in Guantánamo province due to serious weather warnings.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared as the severe weather continues to develop along these vulnerable coastlines.
