A storm system near the Bahamas is expected to become Tropical Storm Imelda and approach the U.S. East Coast.
Imelda is forecast to develop from Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 in the next 24 hours and bring significant rainfall to portions of eastern Cuba and the Bahamas., according to the National Hurricane Center.
The storm is expected to track north-northwest across the Bahamas and parallel to the east coast of Florida as it approaches the southeast U.S. coast early next week.
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While there’s still uncertainty about the storm’s long-term track, forecasters say there is an increasing threat of heavy rainfall early next week from coastal Georgia through the Carolinas and into the southern Mid-Atlantic states, which could cause flash, urban, and river flooding as as well as heavy rainfall/flooding concerns in inland areas.
While no direct impact is expected for Florida, dangerous beach and boating conditions are forecast to develop late Sunday into next week, the National Weather Service Jacksonville reported.
Localized flash flooding is possible along and east of the I-95 corridor.
The system’s outer fringes could bring bouts of heavy rain and gusty winds to South Florida, according to the NWS Miami.
Future Tropical Storm Imelda spaghetti models, path
Forecasters urge all residents to keep an eye on the tropics and to always be prepared
Officials regularly encourage Florida residents to prepare for storms before a hurricane is approaching, while shelves are fully stocked and you aren’t battling crowds all rushing to the store at the same time.
“It only takes one storm to make it an impactful year for your community,” the National Hurricane Center Miami posted on X.
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On Aug. 1, specific hurricane supplies became permanently tax-free in Florida, ranging from batteries to generators.
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Here are some of the basics you should have:
Two-week supply of medications
A go-bag with essential supplies in case you need to leave quickly
Portable cellphone chargers
List of emergency phone numbers, including those for family members
Copy of your insurance policy
Florida weather radar for Sept. 27, 2025
Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida
When does hurricane season end?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said.
The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and the newly renamed Gulf of America, formerly the Gulf of Mexico.
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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Tropical Storm Imelda to form. See spaghetti models, location