Category 5 Humberto’s “Tug” Expected to Pull Future Tropical Storm Imelda Out to Sea, Though Dangerous Coastal Conditions and Flooding Rain Remain a Concern
The U.S. Southeast coast may be spared a direct tropical storm landfall this week thanks to the immense size and strength of Hurricane Humberto, which is forecast to tug a developing storm—likely to be named Imelda—out to sea.
AccuWeather hurricane experts predict that the expected interaction between the two systems will reduce the tropical rain and wind impacts on the United States, keeping the main center of the developing storm away from the mainland.
“The size and strength of Hurricane Humberto will exert more influence on this developing storm and cause it to be pulled out to sea and away from the East Coast. This expected interaction between the two storms should spare the Southeast from a landfall,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Renee Duff.
Heavy Rain and Dangerous Seas Still a Threat
Despite the lessened risk of a direct hit, the storm’s proximity to the coast will still bring significant impacts. Coastal areas of the Carolinas are forecast to receive 4–8 inches of rain through Wednesday. This heavy rainfall could trigger dangerous flash flooding.
“Much of this rainfall will be beneficial in areas that are dealing with abnormally dry or drought conditions,” Duff added, while urging residents, “Do not try to drive down flooded roads.”
The storm’s wind field is expected to grow as it moves north, bringing a wide swath of 40- to 60-mph wind gust along the east coast from central Florida to North Carolina. Gusty winds could be strong enough to cause localized power outages and down trees.
In addition, dangerous coastal conditions are forecast to persist throughout the week and into next weekend. Both Humberto and the developing storm will likely produce rough surf and dangerous rip currents at beaches from South Florida to the mid-Atlantic. Storm surge of 1–3 feet is also possible along parts of the Southeast U.S. into Tuesday night, bringing some coastal inundation and minor beach erosion.
Humberto’s Influence
Humberto strengthened into a massive Category 5 hurricane over the weekend, making it the second Category 5 storm of the season. It is forecast to pass between Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast early this week, bringing gusty winds and rain to the islands between Tuesday and Wednesday.
The developing storm near the Bahamas is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm as it moves north, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, and some storm surge to the islands, and may even intensify into a hurricane off the Southeast U.S. coast early this week.
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