Tropical Depression Nears Southeast US Prompting Flooding Hurricane Fears

A tropical system designated Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is developing near the Bahamas and is forecast to strengthen into Tropical Storm Imelda by early Sunday, with potential to become a Category 1 hurricane by Monday or Tuesday as it approaches the Southeast U.S. coast. Tropical storm warnings and watches are in effect from the Bahamas to the east coast of Florida, and heavy rainfall, flooding, storm surge, and damaging winds are expected primarily across the Carolinas, coastal Georgia, and possibly into the southern Mid-Atlantic. Officials, including South Carolina's governor, have issued states of emergency and urged residents to prepare for significant impacts such as flash flooding, river flooding, power outages, and dangerous surf. Even if the storm does not make direct landfall, slow-moving rain bands and onshore winds could cause severe flooding and coastal surge, with rainfall totals potentially reaching up to 12 inches in some areas. Emergency managers recommend securing property, reviewing flood safety plans, and staying alert to updates as conditions could deteriorate rapidly starting Monday. Meanwhile, Hurricane Humberto remains a powerful Category 4 storm tracking in the Atlantic, but it is not expected to directly impact the Southeast U.S. coast at this time.