Bermuda Faces Strong Hurricane Imelda

Bermuda is getting ready for a powerful storm. Hurricane Imelda is heading towards the island. It is expected to be very close to Bermuda early Thursday morning. As of Wednesday at 11 a. m. EDT, Imelda was about 340 miles west-southwest of Bermuda. It was moving east-northeast at 20 mph with winds of 100 mph. Satellite images showed Imelda had developed an eye. This eye was surrounded by strong thunderstorms. The conditions for the storm to grow were not perfect. There was high wind shear and a dry atmosphere. However, Imelda was getting stronger by pulling energy from a low-pressure trough. The forecast says Imelda will continue moving east-northeast. It might get even stronger from the jet stream. This could create a dangerous "sting jet. " This is a narrow band of very strong winds. The National Hurricane Center predicts Imelda will peak as a Category 2 hurricane. It will have winds of 105 mph by 8 p. m. EDT Wednesday. After passing Bermuda, Imelda is expected to move out to sea. It will become an extratropical storm on Thursday. Bermuda is known for its history with hurricanes. It is one of the most hurricane-prone places. Last year, Hurricane Ernesto hit Bermuda as a Category 1 storm. It caused power outages and downed trees. Over 75% of the island lost power. Damage to buildings was minor. A Category 2 or stronger hurricane passes near Bermuda about once every 10 to 12 years. The last one was Hurricane Paulette in 2020. It knocked out power to the entire island. However, damage was minor. Bermuda is very prepared for hurricanes. It has been over 20 years since a hurricane-related death was reported. The rest of the Atlantic is quiet. The National Hurricane Center issued its last advisory on Hurricane Humberto. It merged with a front in the central Atlantic. There are no new threats expected in the next seven days.