Tropical Storm Imelda: Coastal Flooding, Rough Surf, and Rip Currents Threaten Southeast U.S.

Tropical Storm Imelda is expected to stay offshore this week, but coastal residents from Florida to the Carolinas and beyond should remain vigilant. While high pressure over the Northeast and Hurricane Humberto’s influence are steering the storm away from the U.S. coast, the storm will still bring hazardous conditions, including rough surf, rip currents, strong winds, and coastal flooding.

Storm Interaction and Path

Hurricane Humberto, currently positioned west of Bermuda, is interacting with Tropical Storm Imelda in a rare atmospheric phenomenon known as the Fujiwhara Effect, in which two storms rotate around one another. This interaction is helping guide Imelda eastward, away from the Southeast U.S., but its moisture plume extends from the Caribbean to the Southeastern coast, producing heavy rain and thunderstorms along the way.

Residents along Florida’s Atlantic coast, Georgia, and the Carolinas may experience tropical storm-force winds between 40–60 mph, with localized squalls capable of producing flash flooding. Coastal thunderstorms may spawn waterspouts or tornadoes in isolated areas.

Coastal and Offshore Hazards