Overview

• Tropical Depression Nine formed north of Cuba with 35 mph winds and is expected to become Tropical Storm Imelda as it crosses the Bahamas this weekend.
• Tropical storm warnings are posted for the central and northwestern Bahamas, and a tropical storm watch is in effect for Florida’s east coast from the Palm Beach–Martin county line to the Volusia–Flagler line.
• South Carolina has declared a state of emergency as forecasts call for the system to approach the Southeast early next week, potentially near Category 1 strength and prone to slowing or stalling offshore.
• The National Hurricane Center highlights a significant risk of heavy rain, storm surge and flooding from coastal Georgia through the Carolinas into the Mid-Atlantic, even without a direct landfall.
• Hurricane Humberto remains a powerful Category 4 in the central Atlantic, likely to stay offshore while producing dangerous surf and possibly influencing Imelda’s path; reconnaissance flights and extra weather balloons are underway to refine forecasts.