Introduction to Hurricane Imelda
Hurricane Imelda, the season’s fourth Atlantic hurricane, formed Tuesday — and it could grow into a major Category 3 hurricane within 48 hours.
Dangerous beach and boating conditions are expected throughout the week on Florida’s east coast.
Hurricane Humberto remains to its northeast as a Category 3 major storm. Humberto and Imelda are both threats to Bermuda, where a hurricane watch is in effect.
Imelda is traveling northeast, tracking  away from the Bahamas and Florida. The dramatic turn is due to it interacting with the more powerful Humberto, which is spinning farther out in the Atlantic.
Interaction with Hurricane Humberto
“Although a true Fujiwhara dance — where the two systems rotate around each other — won’t happen, they’re close enough that Humberto’s large circulation will drag Imelda quickly eastward with it by (Tuesday) and Wednesday,” wrote WPLG-Ch. 10 meteorologist Michael Lowry in his tropics email alert.
As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, Imelda’s maximum sustained winds had increased to 75 mph, just above the 74 mph threshold for a Category 1 hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extended 70 miles from its center and tropical-storm-force winds extend 185 miles from Imelda’s center.
Expected Weather Conditions
Heavy rain is expected through Tuesday across coastal South Carolina and into coastal North Carolina, with the potential for isolated flash and urban flooding. The governors of those states have declared states of emergency.
The latest forecast cone for Hurricane Imelda. (National Hurricane Center/Courtesy)
Meanwhile, Humberto was maintaining itself as a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained wind speeds of 115 mph, down from 140 mph earlier Monday.
Forecast for Hurricane Humberto
Humberto, which is forecast to remain a major hurricane through Tuesday afternoon, is expected to bring dangerous surf affecting Bermuda and most of the U.S. coast this week, according to the hurricane center.
Bermuda should receive up to 4 inches of rain this week due to the storms, NHC forecasters said.
Here’s the latest forecast track of Hurricane Humberto, which is at Category 3 strength. (National Hurricane Center/Courtesy)
On Tuesday morning, it was located about 275 miles west of Bermuda, with hurricane-force winds extending 70 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extending outward 205 miles.
Humberto’s center is expected to track north of Bermuda on Tuesday and Wednesday. It’s expected to turn northeast or north-northeast Tuesday evening or Wednesday.
Conclusion
Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30. The formation of Hurricane Imelda and the ongoing presence of Hurricane Humberto serve as reminders of the importance of staying informed and prepared for severe weather events.
FAQs
Originally Published: September 28, 2025 at 8:24 AM EDT
Q: What is the current status of Hurricane Imelda?
A: Hurricane Imelda is currently a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.
Q: How will Hurricane Humberto affect Bermuda?
A: Hurricane Humberto is expected to bring dangerous surf and up to 4 inches of rain to Bermuda.
Q: What is the forecast for Hurricane Imelda?
A: Imelda is expected to grow into a major Category 3 hurricane within 48 hours and is currently tracking northeast away from the Bahamas and Florida.
Q: How long does hurricane season last?
A: Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.
