Hurricane Imelda
Imelda at peak intensity west of Bermuda on October 1 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | September 27, 2025 |
| Extratropical | October 2, 2025 |
| Dissipated | October 6, 2025 |
| Category 2 hurricane | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 100 mph (155 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 966 mbar (hPa); 28.53 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 5 |
| Injuries | 2 |
| Missing | 1 |
| Damage | >$10 million (2025 USD) |
| Areas affected | |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Hurricane Imelda (/iːˈmɛldɑː/ ee-MEL-dah)[1] was a strong tropical cyclone that caused significant impacts in the Greater Antilles before affecting the Bahamas and Bermuda from late September to early October 2025. The ninth named storm and fourth hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, the system formed between Cuba and the Lucayan Archipelago on September 27, although the National Hurricane Center began issuing advisories on the weather disturbance a day prior, when it was still considered to be a potential tropical cyclone. Imelda would progress north, strengthening as it traversed the Bahamas, before becoming a hurricane.
Prior to its hurricane strengthening, Imelda had already caused significant rainfall across the Antilles, particularly in Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, where floodwaters killed four men. Damages, estimated by Aon, totaled to more than US$10 million.[2]
Meteorological history
[edit]
Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
Unknown
On September 21, a tropical wave began producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms far east of the Windward Islands.[3] On September 25, the disturbance began showing signs of organization near Hispaniola.[4] A low-level circulation began to form within the disturbance the following day, at which time it was designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine.[5] On the morning of September 27, more organization occurred, and the disturbance became Tropical Depression Nine.[6] The system was also progressing generally northward around this time.[7] The depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Imelda the following afternoon about 370 mi (600 km) southeast of Cape Canaveral, Florida.[8] Early on September 30, while over the central Bahamas, deep convection redeveloped along the western side of Imelda, and, steered by Hurricane Humberto, Imelda turned to the northeast, away from the East Coast of the United States.[9] That same morning, the storm strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane.[10][11] Imelda's inner core structure continued to improve into October 1, and it intensified to a Category 2 hurricane.[12]
Shortly after reaching peak, Imelda encountered conditions only marginally conductive for intensification, including high wind shear and encroaching dry air.[13] That evening, as the system began its transition into an extratropical cyclone, the eye of Imelda brushed the Bermuda coast with sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h).[14] The following morning, while moving quickly toward the east-northeast out to sea, Imelda weakened back to a Category 1 hurricane, and later completed its extratropical transition.[15]
Preparations and impact
[edit]Lesser Antilles
[edit]The preceding tropical wave prompted Météo-France to issue a yellow alert for some of France's leeward islands.[16] Schools in the United States Virgin Islands were closed on September 24 due to the expected heavy rain and flood threat due to the disturbance.[17]
In Guadeloupe, heavy rain fell within 24 hours. At least 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain fell on Pas-du-Roy on Basse-Terre, while rainfall totals reached 1.8 inches (45 mm) in Saint-Félix Gosier on Grande-Terre. La Désirade recorded a total precipitation of 1.8 inches (46 mm) within the same time period.[18] The United States Virgin Islands eventually did not receive a large amount of rain, though the waters south of Saint Croix recorded 5 inches (130 mm) of rain.[19] At least 3,000 customers were left without electricity on the islands as of September 25.[20]
Greater Antilles
[edit]The precursor system caused squalls to the Greater Antilles on September 23 and 24, producing torrential rains which were observed in Puerto Rico and eastern Dominican Republic.[21]
Dominican Republic
[edit]On September 26, five provinces in the Dominican Republic were put under a red alert for rain, while several others were placed under yellow alert.[22][23] Schools and other educational centers under a flooding threat were also closed on the same day.[24]
The predecessor tropical wave brought heavy rain to the Dominican Republic.[25] The Dajabón River left its banks, causing damage to rice plantations surrounding.[26] Flooding in the Tábara River caused 26 people to be sheltered.[23] Urban floods occurred in Santo Domingo, inundating several streets.[27] The city mobilized 300 officers to clean drainage systems.[27] Trees fell on and obstructed highways in Santo Domingo, Monseñor Nouel, and San Jose do Ocoa.[28] Hundreds of people had to be evacuated in the nation.[23] Two houses were destroyed and almost a thousand were damaged.[28] A tree fell on a house in Barahona.[28] At least 774 people were displaced in Azua.[23] Due to extreme flooding impacting the aqueducts, 400,000 citizens' water supplies were impacted.[28]
Cuba
[edit]Two died in Cuba as a result of Imelda.[29] One man had been reported to have died as a result of landslides.[29] In Eastern Cuba, heavy rains occurred, with four stations reporting more than 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain.[30] A landslide occurred in Yateras due to heavy rain in the Guatanamo Province.[31] Over 18,000 people were evacuated from the province.[29] Five people were rescued from the Sigua River.[30] Several houses became flooded.[32] Reservoirs in Santiago de Cuba saw an increase in volume by 8,200,000 cubic metres (290,000,000 cu ft).[33] Due to flooding and landslides, 17 communities were cut off in the province.[29]
Elsewhere
[edit]In Puerto Rico, a deceased man was found in a river flooded by the proceeding tropical wave in Yauco.[25][34] One man is missing in Haiti and Imelda caused flooding in 35 communities.[35] Two others were also injured in Haiti.[36]
Lucayan Archipelago
[edit]In anticipation of the storm, tropical storm warnings were issued for the central and northwest Bahamas on September 26.[37][38] That same day, the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training closed schools on Acklins, Crooked Island, Inagua, and Mayaguana.[39] Government buildings were closed on September 28 on Abaco, Andros, the Berry Islands, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Grand Cay, New Providence, and San Salvador Island.[40] The Port of Nassau closed September 25–28, hosting 18 ships.[41] The Margaritaville at Sea arrived early to port before Imelda could arrive.[42] Mandatory evacuation orders were made for Grand Bahama and parts of Abaco.[43] In the East End on Grand Bahama, 110 people evacuated and 47 sought shelter.[44] Western Air suspended flights for September 28.[45] Lynden Pindling International Airport and Grand Bahama International Airport shut down on the same day.[43][46] Panic buying was reported on Grand Bahama.[47]
Wind gusts reached 83 mph (134 km/h) in Treasure Cay on September 29, and sustained winds of 48 mph (77 km/h) were measured at Little Hog Cay in the Abacos.[48] Some power outages were reported across the islands[29] and power lines were downed.[49] Around 1,500 customers lost power on New Providence.[49] A wide outage was reported on Abaco.[50] On San Salvador, police officers directed the flow of traffic through roads during the storm.[51] The Queens Highways flooded during the storm. Waves surmounted sea walls on San Salvador.[52] Due to flooding across several islands, Bahamasair suspended flights on several islands.[53] On New Providence, streets were flooded to knee-height.[54] Pumping trucks were used on the streets.[54] Fourteen public schools had to be closed due to flooding.[55]
The Turks and Caicos Islands suffered from heavy rains and gusty conditions.[56]
United States
[edit]
Parts of the Florida East Coast were placed under a tropical storm watch.[57] High surf and gust advisories were also issued for parts of the state.[58] Ahead of the storm, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency for the state on September 26.[37] North Carolina Governor Josh Stein did the same for his state.[23] The Charleston city council also deployed stormwater pumps in anticipation of the arrival of the storm.[59] Officials in Tybee Island, Georgia, gave out sandbags.[29]
A rip current risk was heightened along the United States East Coast as Imelda, along with Hurricane Humberto to its east, agitated the seas.[35] Imelda pushed rains onto the Florida coast.[60] Turtle hatchlings were reported to have been thrown onto the beach by the seas in Juno Beach.[29] Playalinda Beach of the Canaveral National Seashore was damaged due to Imelda and other storms and would close until November 14.[61] A 51-year old man drowned due to rip currents caused by Imelda and Humberto.[62] In North Carolina, eight homes collapsed from strong waves generated by Imelda and the nearby Hurricane Humberto.[63][64][65]
Bermuda
[edit]On September 29, a hurricane watch was issued for Bermuda.[66] A hurricane warning was issued the next day.[67] Trips of the Liberty of the Seas, Carnival Venezia, and Norwegian Aqua to Bermuda were cancelled.[68][69] Ferry service was halted on the evening of September 30.[68] The Causeway, L.F. Wade International Airport, and government offices were closed and bus service ceased on October 1.[70] Schools were closed October 1 and 2.[70] A shelter was opened at CedarBridge Academy.[70][71] In total, more than 50 people stayed at shelters across the islands.[72] A hundred soldiers were deployed.[36] In conjunction with Humberto, the threat of Imelda prompted the qualifier for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship to be postponed.[73] The Royal Gazette ceased publication for October 2.[74]
Despite the strong winds, minor damage and no fatalities were reported after the storm.[75][76] Sustained winds in Bermuda reached 78 mph (125km/h), with gusts to 99 mph (159km/h) at the National Museum of Bermuda.[77] Rainfall on the island totaled around 1.33 inches (34 mm).[75] Widespread fallen trees occurred across Bermuda.[78] A section of the perimeter fence at the L.F. Wade International Airport was toppled by strong winds caused by Imelda. At 09:00 AST on October 2, BELCO reported over 17,700 customers without power.[79][80] A series of burglaries occurred in Hamilton during Imelda.[81]
See also
[edit]- Timeline of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season
- Tropical cyclones in 2025
- Weather of 2025
- List of Bermuda hurricanes
- List of North Carolina hurricanes (2000–present)
References
[edit]- ^ "Atlantic Basin Storm Name Pronunciations" (PDF). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
- ^ "Weekly Cat Report Review of Global Catastrophe Activity October 3, 2025" (PDF). October 3, 2025.
- ^ Papin, Philippe (September 21, 2025). "NHC Graphical Outlook Archive". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved September 26, 2025.
- ^ Pasch, Richard (September 25, 2025). Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 26, 2025.
- ^ Cangialosi, John (September 26, 2025). Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine Discussion Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 26, 2025.
- ^ Reinhart, rad (September 27, 2025). Tropical Depression Nine Discussion Number 4 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ Reinhart, Brad (September 27, 2025). "Tropical Depression Nine Discussion Number 5". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ Papin, Philippe (September 28, 2025). Tropical Storm Imelda Intermediate Advisory Number 8A (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ Blake, Eric (September 30, 2025). Tropical Storm Imelda Advisory Number 15 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
- ^ Pasch, Richard (September 30, 2025). Hurricaner Imelda Intermediate Advisory Number 15A (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
- ^ Noll, Ben (September 29, 2025). "How a Category 5 hurricane kept the Carolinas from a worst-case scenario". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved September 29, 2025.
- ^ Reinhart, Brad (October 1, 2025). Hurricaner Imelda Discussion Number 20 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ Masters, Jeff (October 1, 2025). "Bermuda braces for a pounding from strengthening Hurricane Imelda » Yale Climate Connections". Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
- ^ Papin, Philippe (October 1, 2025). Hurricane Imelda Discussion Number 22 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
- ^ Reinhart, Brad (October 2, 2025). Post-Tropical Cyclone Imelda Discussion Number 24 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
- ^ "Fortes pluies et orages : vigilance jaune ce mardi". France-Antilles (in French). September 23, 2025. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ Daley, Jesse (September 23, 2025). "Tropical Outlook: Schools, Government Offices Closed Wednesday as PR, USVI Face Heavy Rain and Flood Threat". St. Thomas Source. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ Petit, Carole (September 23, 2025). "La Guadeloupe sous la menace de fortes averses orageuses est maintenue en vigilance jaune". Guadeloupe la 1ère (in French). Retrieved September 26, 2025.
- ^ Daley, Jesse (September 24, 2025). "Schools and Government Offices to Reopen Thursday; Rain Still Possible Across USVI, Puerto Rico". St. John Source. Retrieved September 26, 2025.
- ^ Carlson, Suzanne (September 25, 2025). "Schools, government offices reopen today". The Virgin Islands Daily News. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ Henson, Bob (September 25, 2025). "Gabrielle heads for Azores while Humberto and 94L brew in NW Atlantic". New Haven, Connecticut: Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ Cuevas, Ninoska (September 26, 2025). "Santo Domingo y otras cuatro provincias en alerta roja por intensas lluvias". Hoy Digital (in Spanish). Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Frisaro, Freida (September 27, 2025). Written at Caracas, Venezuela. "Tropical weather in the Atlantic is slamming the Caribbean and may strike Southeast US next". AP News. Miami. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ "Fuertes lluvias obligan al MINERD a suspender las clases en centros vulnerables". Hoy Digital (in Spanish). September 26, 2025. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ a b "Former Hurricane Gabrielle threatens the Azores with heavy rain and storm surge". AP News. September 25, 2025. Retrieved September 26, 2025.
- ^ Cruz, Arsenio (September 26, 2025). "Desbordamiento del río Masacre inunda frontera RD-Haití" (in Spanish). Retrieved September 26, 2025.
- ^ a b Tovar, Andrés (September 26, 2025). "Inundaciones urbanas afectan Santo Domingo Este" (in Spanish). Retrieved September 26, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "COE revela daños provocados por vaguadas e inundaciones". Hoy Digital (in Spanish). September 27, 2025. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g Coto, Dánica (September 29, 2025). "2 killed in Cuba as Tropical Storm Imelda and Hurricane Humberto threaten Bahamas and Bermuda". AP News. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
- ^ a b "Five people rescued from being trapped by the overflow of the Sigua River in Santiago de Cuba". CiberCuba. September 27, 2025. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ "Heavy rains cause landslide in Yateras, Guantánamo". CiberCuba. September 27, 2025. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ "Severe flooding in Santiago de Cuba due to a tropical depression". CiberCuba. September 28, 2025. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ Ferrer Alonso, Indira (September 28, 2025). "Incremento moderado en embalses de Santiago de Cuba, tras lluvias intensas en las últimas horas - Periódico Sierra Maestra". www.sierramaestra.cu. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ ""Profundo dolor": joven muerto en inundación de Yauco era dueño de panadería". WAPA.TV (in Spanish). September 26, 2025. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ a b Coto, Dánica (September 30, 2025). "Bermuda lashed by distant hurricane and prepares for the stronger Imelda". AP News. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ a b Coto, Dánica (October 1, 2025). "Hurricane Imelda pummels Bermuda as airport, schools and government offices close". AP News. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
- ^ a b Barker, Aaron (September 26, 2025). "Future Hurricane Imelda prompts State of Emergency as Southeast coast prepares for impacts, potential landfall". FOX Weather. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ Beven, Jack (September 27, 2025). "Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine Advisory Number 3". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ Scott, Rachel (September 26, 2025). "Schools on southern islands close as tropical system approaches". The Nassau Guardian. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ Scott, Rachel (September 29, 2025). "Imelda brings flood threat". The Nassau Guardian. Retrieved September 29, 2025.
- ^ Robards, Chester (September 29, 2025). "Storm forces cruise port closure yesterday ahead of busy 18-ship week". The Nassau Guardian. Retrieved September 29, 2025.
- ^ Hartnell, Neil (September 30, 2025). "Hotels chief: Imelda 'truly a non-event'". Tribune 242. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ a b Bowleg, Earyel (September 27, 2025). "Evacuation orders issued for Grand Bahama and Abaco". Tribune 242. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ Maycock, Denise (September 30, 2025). "Grand Bahama 'very grateful' to escape with no serious damage from storm". Tribune 242. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ Longley, Ginelle (September 27, 2025). "Western Air suspends services for Sunday following Tropical Storm Warning". Eye Witness News. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ Longley, Ginelle (September 27, 2025). "LPIA services to be suspended at midnight". Eye Witness News. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ Hartnell, Neil (September 30, 2025). "Storm drives 25% weekend surge for Super Value sales". Tribune 242. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ Papin, Philippe (September 29, 2025). "Tropical Storm Imelda Advisory Number 12". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
- ^ a b Russell, Jade; Boowleg, Earyel (September 30, 2025). "Imelda leaves behind flooding in its wake". Tribune 242. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ Scott, Rachel (October 1, 2025). "DRM: Work underway to deal with flooding and assist residents". The Nassau Guardian. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ Williams, Joshua (September 27, 2025). "Heavy Rainfall Hits San Salvador As Tropical Depression #9 Passes". Our News. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ Williams, Joshua (September 28, 2025). "Tropical Storm Imelda Impacts San Salvador on Joaquin Anniversary". Our News. Retrieved September 29, 2025.
- ^ Bailey, Pavel (September 29, 2025). "Storm shutdown: Tropical Storm Imelda hits New Providence, heads for GB, Abaco". Tribune 242. Retrieved September 29, 2025.
- ^ a b Roberts, Latonya (September 30, 2025). "Flooded out". The Nassau Guardian. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ Cartwright-Carroll, Travis (September 30, 2025). "Fourteen public schools will remain closed due to flooding concerns". The Nassau Guardian. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ Cangialosi, John; Reinhart, Brad; Hagen, Andrew (September 26, 2025). Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 26, 2025.
- ^ McCloud, Cheryl; Luciani, Kim (September 27, 2025). "Tropical storm watch issued for portion of Florida as would-be Imelda threatens U.S. coast". The News-Press. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ Shaw, Sandra (September 29, 2025). High surf and wind advisories in effect for South Florida. Retrieved September 29, 2025 – via WPBF-TV.
- ^ Phillips, Patrick; Bordner, Zachary; Blair, Victoria (September 26, 2025). "'High winds, a lot of water': Governor urges SC to prepare for tropical depression". WCSC-TV. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ Broughton, Julie (September 30, 2025). "Imelda continues to impact Central Florida. Here's what to know". WKMG-TV. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ "Playalinda Beach Partially Reopens After Storm Damage". Talk of Titusville. November 21, 2025. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
- ^ "Hurricanes Humberto, Imelda create deadly rip currents, trigger flood threat for US East Coast". Fox Weather via Yahoo News. September 29, 2025. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ "Video shows several houses along North Carolina's Outer Banks collapsing into Atlantic Ocean - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. September 30, 2025. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ "Six Outer Banks homes fall into the sea as Humberto, Imelda churn offshore". The Washington Post. September 30, 2025. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
- ^ "Cleanup work begins tomorrow after eight homes collapse in Buxton". WITN-TV. October 2, 2025. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
- ^ Papin, Philippe (September 29, 2025). "Tropical Storm Imelda Advisory Number 13". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
- ^ Yablonski, Steven (September 29, 2025). "Hurricane Imelda prompts Hurricane Warning for Bermuda as storm slams Southeast with large waves, rip currents". FOX Weather. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
- ^ a b Bell, Jonathan (September 30, 2025). "Latest: hurricane watch in effect as Imelda follows Humberto". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
- ^ Bell, Jonathan (October 1, 2025). "Imelda at 9pm: second hurricane confronts island". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
- ^ a b c Skelton, Gary Foster (September 30, 2025). "Causeway to close 6pm tomorrow; Schools out Wed & Thur". Bermuda Broadcasting. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ Lagan, Sarah (September 30, 2025). "Imelda is 'not a passing squall', Weeks warns residents". Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ "Bermuda hit with 100 mph winds as Hurricane Imelda passes over". www.nbcnews.com. October 2, 2025. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
- ^ Clarke, Ross (September 29, 2025). "Local Qualifier for PGA Tour event postponed". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
- ^ "No newspaper on Thursday". The Royal Gazette. October 1, 2025. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
- ^ a b Johnston-Barnes, Owain (October 2, 2025). "Island escapes worst of hurricane impact". Royal Gazette. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
- ^ Lanza, Matt (October 2, 2025). "Bermuda handles Imelda fine, while the UK anticipates Storm Amy this weekend". The Eyewall. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
- ^ Beven, Jack (October 2, 2025). "Hurricane Imelda Intermediate Advisory Number 22A". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
- ^ AP (October 2, 2025). "Hurricane Imelda swirls away from Bermuda after battering the tiny island". Union-Bulletin. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
- ^ "Live blog: Hurricane Imelda". The Royal Gazette. October 2, 2025. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
- ^ Skelton, Gary Foster (October 1, 2025). "Hurricane Imelda: 6pm Update". Bermuda Broadcasting. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
- ^ Dickinson, Qian (October 3, 2025). "Multiple Hamilton businesses burglarized during Hurricane Imelda". Bermuda Broadcasting. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
External links
[edit]- The National Hurricane Center's Hurricane Imelda advisory archive