Tropical Storm Imelda Likely To Become Hurricane Offshore

Tropical Storm Imelda has formed near the central/northwestern Bahamas and is forecast to intensify into a hurricane off the U.S. Southeast coast in the coming days as it turns eastward, keeping its center mostly offshore. The system should pass closest to the coast Tuesday–Wednesday, bringing heavy rainbands, gusty winds (commonly 25–35 mph), life‑threatening rip currents and 5–6 ft waves with high‑surf advisories; gale conditions are expected over offshore waters. Despite the likely offshore track, coastal Georgia, the Carolinas and parts of Florida should prepare for flash‑flooding in onshore bands and minor to moderate coastal flooding around high tides, though many inland locations are now expected to see only modest rainfall totals (fractions of an inch to about 1 inch). Forecasters are monitoring Hurricane Humberto to the north for possible interactions and note Humberto’s swells are already producing hazardous surf; officials and agencies are conducting extra observations and urge residents from Florida through the Carolinas to monitor official updates and prepare.