In brief
A weather system expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Imelda poses a risk to South Carolina, with a state of emergency declared in North Carolina. Meanwhile, Hurricane Humberto remains a strong Category 4 hurricane, impacting Bermuda and causing alerts in several regions. The Bahamas faces heavy rainfall and potential flooding as residents prepare for adverse weather conditions.
MIAMI (AP) — A weather system, anticipated to develop into Tropical Storm Imelda later today, threatens to approach South Carolina as a hurricane early next week. Disruptions have already occurred in the Bahamas and surrounding areas due to this impending system.Currently designated as Tropical Depression Nine, the system was about 100 miles (160 kilometers) west-southwest of the Central Bahamas, moving north-northwest at 7 mph (11 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 kph) as of 0900 GMT Sunday. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has urged residents to stay vigilant, warning that the storm is deadly serious.The forecast indicates the system could become a tropical storm later today and develop into a hurricane by late Monday or Tuesday, at which point it will receive the name Imelda. McMaster noted the potential for high winds and heavy rains, which could lead to flooding. State officials are mobilizing search and rescue crews in preparation.In parallel, Hurricane Humberto, while slightly weakened, continues to pose a threat as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum winds of 155 mph (250 kph) and is located approximately 585 miles (945 kilometers) south of Bermuda. A tropical storm watch may be issued for Bermuda as Humberto moves west-northwest at 13 mph (20 kph), with swells anticipated on the U.S. east coast soon.The Bahamas’ Department of Meteorology is advising people in northwest and central islands—including Nassau, Andros Island, San Salvador, and Long Island—to make final preparations for the approaching tropical storm. Flash flooding is a significant concern, especially among residents in low-lying areas.In addition to developments in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Narda in the Pacific, once a hurricane, is moving north at 5 mph (7 kph) and is situated about 1,045 miles (1,680 kilometers) west-southwest of Baja California. It has maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph), generating potentially hazardous surf and current conditions along the coasts.___Associated Press writer Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela, contributed.
