News Summary
The Atlantic hurricane season sees significant activity as Hurricane Humberto intensifies to a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 160 mph. Currently situated off the northern Leeward Islands, Humberto poses risks of high surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast. Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Nine could strengthen into Tropical Storm Imelda, raising concerns for heavy rainfall and flooding in Florida and the Carolinas. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in South Carolina and issued warnings for coastal regions. Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared as these storms develop.
Florida – The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is becoming increasingly active, with Hurricane Humberto intensifying to a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds reaching 160 mph. Humberto is currently located around 350 miles north-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands and is moving north-northwest at a speed of 10 mph. The National Hurricane Center has indicated that Humberto is likely to maintain its status as a powerful major hurricane for several days.
As a consequence of Humberto’s strength, dangerous conditions are expected along the U.S. East Coast, including high surf and rip currents. Swells from Humberto are anticipated to first impact the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda starting on Saturday night, with high surf conditions expected to reach the U.S. East Coast by Monday. A federal buoy in the area has reported wave heights exceeding 10 feet in locations impacted by the hurricane. The water temperatures in these affected areas are measured at approximately 86.7 degrees Fahrenheit, providing ample fuel for Humberto’s intensity.
It is important to note that Humberto is creating hurricane-force winds that extend up to 25 miles from its center. Despite the storm’s power, there are currently no coastal watches or warnings for Humberto, and it is not considered a direct threat to the U.S. mainland.
Hurricane Preparation and Warnings
In anticipation of the weather conditions caused by Humberto and another system, Tropical Depression Nine is situated about 200 miles northwest of Cuba, moving northwest at 5 mph. Forecasts suggest that Tropical Depression Nine could strengthen into Tropical Storm Imelda by Tuesday morning. As Imelda approaches, it is expected to bring heavy rain and a risk of flooding to the coastal Carolinas as it parallels the East Coast. Heavy rainfall between 6 to 10 inches is anticipated in Florida and eastern Carolinas starting early next week.
In light of the impending storm, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency and activated swift-water rescue teams. A tropical storm watch is currently in effect for Florida’s Atlantic Coast from Palm Coast to Daytona Beach, while a tropical storm warning has been issued for parts of the central and northwestern Bahamas. The Bahamas Disaster Risk Management Authority is urging evacuations in certain areas of the northern Bahamas ahead of the arrival of Imelda.
Impact of Weather Systems on Flood Risks
Those in the region should be cautious of the potential for flooding as rains from unrelated weather systems in the Southeastern U.S. could amplify flood risks as these two tropical cyclones get closer to land. The National Hurricane Center has cautioned about the possibility of unpredictable storm behavior due to interactions between Humberto and Imelda. A Predecessor Rain Event (PRE) already causing heavy rainfall in portions of the Southeast may further heighten the risk of flooding. Predictions indicate that a significant concentration of rainfall could pose extreme risks if either storm slows down along the coast.
Conclusion
As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season progresses, residents along the U.S. East Coast, particularly in Florida and the Carolinas, are encouraged to stay informed and prepare for potential impacts from these storms. Authorities continue to assess the situation closely as both storms develop in the Atlantic.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NBC News: Hurricane Humberto Intensifies
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Humberto
- USA Today: Humberto and Imelda Forecast
- Google Search: Hurricane Humberto
- WESH: Hurricane Humberto Surges to Cat 5 Strength
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Humberto
- Weather.com: Hurricane Humberto News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Humberto
- APP: Hurricane Humberto Path and Forecast
- Google News: Hurricane Imelda
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
