Imelda strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane on Tuesday morning with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph.
As of the 11 p.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center, the system was moving east-northeast at 15 mph and was located about 565 miles west southwest of Bermuda
A hurricane watch remains in effect for Bermuda.
Imelda’s general northeast motion is expected to continue through Tuesday, followed by a turn toward the east-northeast at a faster forward speed tonight.
On the forecast track, the center of the system should move away from the Bahamas on Tuesday and quickly approach Bermuda late on Wednesday.
Some additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 977 mb.
Local effects
Today and continuing through the week, Jacksonville and nearby Northeast Florida beaches are facing increasing coastal hazards as Hurricane Imelda passes well offshore in the Atlantic.
Although the storm will remain far from land, its effects will be felt strongly along the coast, bringing dangerous surf, strong winds, and a high risk of rip currents.
The National Weather Service in Jacksonville has issued a coastal hazard advisory that highlights several threats to beachgoers and boaters alike:
- 🔺 High Rip Current Risk (Red Alert)
- 🌊 High & Rough Surf
- 💨 Breezy Onshore Winds
- 🌊 Minor Tidal Flooding
The rip current risk is the most immediate concern.
Lifeguards and emergency officials are urging everyone to stay out of the water unless they are at a guarded beach and conditions are deemed safe.
Rip currents can form quickly and are difficult to spot — even for experienced swimmers. If caught in one, swimmers should remain calm, float, and swim parallel to the shore to escape.
Beyond the swimming hazards, elevated surf and wind will continue to create dangerous boating conditions, with potential for nuisance flooding in low-lying areas such as boat ramps, docks, and some coastal roadways during high tides.
Some minor beach erosion is also possible as wave action increases through the week.
Even though Imelda is not expected to make landfall, storms in the Atlantic can still create life-threatening conditions along Florida’s coastline.
This week is a prime example of that danger. Officials urge everyone to follow posted warnings, check local forecasts, and avoid risk: “If in doubt, don’t go out.”
These conditions are expected to persist through the end of the week.