Bermuda Faces Strong Hurricane Imelda

Storm Details

• Location: 340 miles west-southwest of Bermuda
• Movement: East-northeast at 20 mph
• Winds: 100 mph
• Expected Peak: Category 2 hurricane with 105 mph winds by 8 p.m. EDT Wednesday

Storm Characteristics

• Eye Formation: Imelda has developed an eye surrounded by strong thunderstorms.
• Conditions: High wind shear and dry atmosphere, but strengthening due to energy from a low-pressure trough.
• Potential Danger: Possible "sting jet" – a narrow band of very strong winds.

Forecast

• Path: Continuing east-northeast, expected to pass near Bermuda early Thursday morning.
• Aftermath: Will move out to sea and become an extratropical storm on Thursday.

Bermuda's Hurricane History

• Frequency: Category 2 or stronger hurricanes pass near Bermuda about once every 10-12 years.
• Recent Storms:
• Hurricane Ernesto (2023): Category 1, caused power outages and downed trees.
• Hurricane Paulette (2020): Knocked out power to the entire island but caused minor damage.
• Preparedness: Bermuda is well-prepared; no hurricane-related deaths in over 20 years.

Atlantic Hurricane Update

• Other Storms: The National Hurricane Center issued its last advisory on Hurricane Humberto, which merged with a front in the central Atlantic.
• Forecast: No new threats expected in the next seven days.