Tropical storm Imelda forms, expected to become hurricane off U.S. East Coast

Tropical Storm Imelda formed on Sunday, 28 September, near the Bahamas and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane by early this week.

The storm is expected to move northward along Florida's eastern coast, potentially bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and hazardous surf conditions to the southeastern U.S.

As of Sunday afternoon, Imelda was located about 95 miles west-northwest of the Central Bahamas, with maximum sustained winds of 64 km per hour (40 mph). The National Hurricane Center predicts the storm will reach hurricane strength by late Monday or Tuesday, becoming a Category 1 hurricane before veering east into the Atlantic Ocean, away from land. 

Tropical storm watches have been issued for parts of Florida's east coast, from Palm Beach to Volusia County, due to the storm's proximity. Residents in these areas should prepare for potential impacts, including gusty winds and rough surf. 

Simultaneously, Hurricane Humberto remains a powerful Category 4 storm in the Atlantic, located about 535 miles south of Bermuda. While it is not currently threatening land, it is expected to cause dangerous swells and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast. 

Residents along the southeastern U.S. coast are advised to monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center and local authorities as the situation develops.

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