In brief
Hurricane Humberto is expected to bring severe weather to Bermuda, prompting a hurricane watch as it approaches from the west. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Imelda has already caused fatalities in Cuba and is predicted to impact Bermuda by bringing additional heavy rainfall. The local government is urging residents to prepare for the severe weather conditions and flooding risks associated with both storms.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The outer bands of Hurricane Humberto lashed Bermuda on Tuesday as it approached the tiny British territory, with newly formed Hurricane Imelda following closely behind.
A hurricane watch was in effect for the island located in the north Atlantic as forecasters warned of dangerous seas, strong winds and heavy rain.
Humberto was located about 275 miles (440 kilometers) west of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds reaching 100 mph (155 kph), moving north-northwest at 17 mph (28 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
It was anticipated that Humberto would pass well to the west and north of Bermuda by late Tuesday and early Wednesday morning. In contrast, Imelda, located about 180 miles (290 kilometers) north of Great Abaco Island, was expected to pass near or over Bermuda by Wednesday afternoon as a Category 2 hurricane.
Bermuda’s Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks, indicated that the island would face “a serious week of weather,” strongly urging the public to prepare for potential impacts.
Humberto is expected to bring up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) of rain to Bermuda, while Imelda could unleash up to 4 inches (10 centimeters), increasing the risk of flooding.
Additionally, Imelda has been generating heavy rainfall in coastal areas of southeast North Carolina, where flash and urban flooding are expected.
Earlier in the week, Imelda struck eastern Cuba, causing at least two fatalities, according to Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero. He reported via social media that two individuals lost their lives due to landslides in the province of Santiago de Cuba, which reported significant flooding and landslides affecting over 24,000 residents.
As governments and officials in Bermuda and Cuba prepare for the brewing storms, residents are urged to remain vigilant against the effects of severe weather.
