Brewing Tropical Storm Imelda Eyes Carolinas and Georgia with Flooding Threat

Tropical trouble is brewing in the Atlantic as Tropical Depression Nine strengthens and edges closer to becoming Tropical Storm Imelda. The system, currently near the Bahamas, is forecast to intensify in the coming days, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and dangerous surf to parts of the Southeast and the Carolinas next week.

Storm Development

The disturbance has been monitored for several days and officially reached tropical depression status on Saturday, with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Florida’s east coast, while a tropical storm warning is in place for the central and northwestern Bahamas.

Warm waters, humid air, and reduced wind shear will likely fuel Imelda’s development. Forecasters expect the storm to strengthen quickly, possibly becoming a hurricane as it tracks northward early next week.