Tropical Storm Imelda Continues to Move Away from US Coast, But Impacts Still Felt in Florida

Tropical Storm Imelda is moving away from the US coast, but its impacts are still being felt in Florida and other parts of the Southeast. Here’s what’s happening:

• Current Status: Imelda is moving north at 8 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph and a minimum central pressure of 993 mb.
• Forecast: The storm is expected to turn east-northeastward and move away from the southeastern US by mid-week.
• Impacts:
• Rainfall: 1-2 inches of rain expected in northeast Florida, coastal South Carolina, and southeast North Carolina, with potential for isolated flash and urban flooding.
• Storm Surge: Minor coastal flooding possible in areas with onshore winds, with water levels rising 1-2 feet above ground level.
• Surf: Life-threatening surf and rip current conditions expected along the East Coast due to swells generated by Imelda and Hurricane Humberto.

Some areas are still reeling from the storm’s effects. A 51-year-old man drowned off Volusia County, Florida, after being pulled out into the ocean by a rip current. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office warns against swimming in the ocean due to strong rip currents ¹.

Areas Under Warning

• A tropical storm warning is in effect for portions of the Northwestern Bahamas, including Eleuthera, the Abacos, Grand Bahama Island, and surrounding keys.

Preparation and Response

• Cities like Charleston, South Carolina, and Conway, South Carolina, have declared local states of emergency or taken precautions.
• Duke Energy is preparing for potential storm impacts in North Carolina.
• Residents are advised to stay informed and follow local weather forecasts for the latest updates