Bermuda Braces for Hurricane Imelda’s Direct Hit as Storm Strengthens
Bermuda Braces for Hurricane Imelda’s Direct Hit as Storm Strengthens
Bermuda is on high alert as Hurricane Imelda rapidly approaches, with its center expected to be near the island by Wednesday evening. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami reported Imelda currently has maximum sustained winds of 90 mph and is forecast to intensify into a Category 2 hurricane, packing winds of at least 96 mph, according to the Bermuda Weather Service.
A hurricane warning is in effect for the tiny British territory, prompting urgent preparations. “I cannot overstate the seriousness of this threat,” declared Michael Weeks, Bermuda’s minister of national security, emphasizing that this is not a minor weather event. He warned residents to expect sustained hurricane-force winds for up to six hours starting late Wednesday.
In anticipation of the storm, Bermuda’s international airport, schools, and government offices are closed Wednesday, and residents were urged to finalize all storm preparations by noon. Minister Weeks underscored the potential for significant damage and disruption from Imelda, which is currently located 455 miles west-southwest of Bermuda and moving east-northeast at 20 mph.
Earlier this week, Imelda caused devastation in eastern Cuba, resulting in two fatalities, widespread flooding, and landslides. It also impacted parts of the Bahamas on Monday, leading to school closures. Meanwhile, the outer bands of the more distant Hurricane Humberto brushed Bermuda on Tuesday, contributing to dangerous surf conditions across the region, including the U.S. East Coast where five unoccupied houses in North Carolina’s Outer Banks collapsed into the ocean.
Imelda marks the Atlantic season’s fourth hurricane, aligning with NOAA’s prediction of an above-normal season. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30.
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