Tropical Storm Imelda has formed as the ninth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. The storm developed from Tropical Depression Nine and is currently moving over the Bahamas. Forecasters predict that Imelda could strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane by Monday or Tuesday as it approaches Florida's east coast.

As of Sunday evening, Imelda was located about 355 miles southeast of Cape Canaveral, Florida, and was moving north at 9 mph. The storm is expected to shift to an east-northeast trajectory, moving away from the southeastern United States by midweek. Maximum sustained winds are currently at 40 mph, with a minimum central pressure of 998 mb.

While the storm is expected to remain offshore, areas along Florida's Space Coast could experience tropical-storm-force wind gusts ranging from 40 to 50 mph. However, significant impacts inland are not anticipated. Rough beach and boating conditions are expected to persist for several days along Florida's east coast.

The National Hurricane Center has indicated that the Carolinas and coastal Georgia are no longer in the forecast cone, suggesting a high confidence that Imelda will remain offshore and eventually move out to sea. Rainfall totals are expected to be lower than initially feared, with forecasts indicating 2 to 4 inches of rain, and localized amounts up to 7 inches near the coast through Wednesday morning.

Hurricane Humberto, a powerful Category 4 storm, is influencing the steering currents that are guiding Imelda eastward. Humberto is expected to pass west of Bermuda on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In addition to wind and rain, there is a high risk of rip currents along the Southeast coast of the U.S. This risk extends from southeastern Florida up the east coast, affecting coastal Georgia and much of South Carolina, including the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Forecasters advise beachgoers to swim near lifeguards and check local conditions due to the dangerous surf and rip current conditions expected in the coming days.

As the Atlantic hurricane season continues, officials are monitoring the situation closely. The season runs from June 1 through November 30, and residents are encouraged to stay informed about potential weather developments.