Bahamas and Cuba Face Storm Imelda’s Wrath
San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Bahamas and Cuba are feeling the effects of Tropical Storm Imelda, which brought heavy rains and caused closures.
In the Bahamas, most schools were closed Monday as Imelda moved through the northern Caribbean. The storm passed near Great Abaco Island, which is still recovering from the damage of Hurricane Dorian in 2019. While a tropical storm warning for the northwestern Bahamas was lifted Tuesday morning, some power outages were reported.
Tragically, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero reported two deaths in eastern Cuba due to the storm. Details were not immediately available, but state media indicated one death was related to landslides in Santiago de Cuba province. Over 24,000 people were isolated due to flooding and landslides in that area.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Humberto, a Category 2 storm, is churning in the open ocean. Experts say it will likely pull Imelda away from the U.S. coast. Moisture from Imelda is expected to bring rain to the Carolinas, with heavier amounts along the coastline.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said rescue crews were being prepared. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein had declared a state of emergency.
Bermuda is bracing for the possibility of both storms affecting the island. National Security Minister Michael Weeks urged residents to prepare. Flights to and from the Bahamas have been canceled.
