Tropical Storm Imelda is growing stronger as it moves along the East Coast. The storm is expected to become a hurricane Tuesday, Sept. 30, according to the National Hurricane Center.
While Imelda is expected to remain offshore, indirect impacts to North Carolina and the eastern coast of the United States are forecast, including life-threatening rip currents and rough surf.
Is there a hurricane coming toward North Carolina?
No. Tropical Storm Imelda is moving north on a path parallel to Florida before tracking east-northeastward starting early Tuesday, Sept. 30. The system will never be parallel to North Carolina.
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Where is Tropical Storm Imelda?
At 5 a.m., Imelda was about 295 mile southeast of Cape Canaveral or 201 miles east of West Palm Beach.
Where is Tropical Storm Imelda expected to make landfall?
Imelda is not expected to make landfall in North Carolina or the U.S.
The storm is expected to be pulled away from the East Coast, near Florida, and the U.S. by Hurricane Humberto to its east and pushed by a system of high pressure building over the northeastern U.S.
How strong is Tropical Storm Imelda?
At 5 a.m. Sept. 29, maximum sustained winds were 45 mph.
How big is Tropical Storm Imelda?
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles, primarily east of the center.
North Carolina weather watches and warnings
High Rip Current Risk: Through this evening
High Surf Advisory: 11 a.m. Tuesday – 12 a.m. Thursday
Coastal Flood Advisory: 11 p.m. Tuesday – 8 p.m. Thursday
Small Craft Advisory: In effect now until 8 a.m. Tuesday
Gale Warning: 8 a.m. Tuesday – 9 p.m. Thursday
What impacts will Tropical Storm Imelda have on North Carolina?
Although Imelda is expected to remain offshore, indirect impacts include:
Storm total rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches with local maxima of 4 inches are expected through Tuesday across northeast Florida, coastal South Carolina and coastal sections of southeast North Carolina. This rainfall could result in isolated flash and urban flooding.
Storm surge from the Volusia/Brevard County line in Florida to the South Santee River in South Carolina could be 1 to 2 feet.
Swells generated by Imelda are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
A high risk for life-threatening rip currents.
Coastal flooding in the Outer Banks.
Highway 12 may also become impassable in some parts along the coast.
Hurricane Erin: North Carolina Outer Banks evacuation routes
Dare County has two primary evacuation routes: U.S. 64 West and U.S. 158 North.
Emergency management officials are urging residents and visitors — particularly those evacuating Hatteras Island, Nags Head, and Roanoke Island — to use U.S. 64 West whenever possible.
See more about evacuation routes on the Dare County website.
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Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the United States as the Weather Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Ne
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Will Tropical Storm Imelda become a hurricane? NC impacts in a minute