Hurricane Imelda Threatens East Coast Homeowners With Dangerous Rip Currents

Shortly after the storm reached hurricane status, Imelda began barreling toward Bermuda, while simultaneously creating dangerous rip current conditions all along the U.S. East Coast.

So far, five homes on North Carolina’s Outer Banks have collapsed due to the surf conditions both Imelda and Hurricane Humberto passed. the U.S. East Coast, officials said Tuesday.

As of now, Hurricane Humberto remains a Category 1 storm as it heads out to sea, but Imelda is expected to strengthen to a Category 2 hurricane as it approaches Bermuda. The worst of the hurricane effects will be felt Wednesday evening into Thursday. 

With the two hurricanes being fewer than 500 miles apart, Humberto is helping to pull Imelda farther out to sea, meaning that neither storm will make landfall in the US. 

However, Imelda is expected to pass less than 20 miles from Bermuda, which should brace for wind gusts near 100 mph, large waves, and 2-4 inches of rain, according to Accuweather predictions.

The development comes just as nearly 5 million properties across the U.S. have officially lost flood coverage following the government shutdown. As of midnight on Sept. 30, FEMA can no longer write new or renew existing policies under the program, leaving flood-prone homeowners in a dangerous lurch.

Recap of the hurricane season so far

The 2025 hurricane season has already seen three storms reach hurricane strength, each leaving its mark on coastal communities. Hurricane Humberto became a major hurricane near Bermuda on Sunday, Sept. 28, and continues to impact weather patterns across the Atlantic, though it moved out to open waters just as Imelda began to pick up steam.

The duo of storms came a mere week after Hurricane Gabrielle, which tracked closer to the U.S. coast, delivering damaging winds and heavy rain before curving northward. Its remnants produced widespread inland flooding in the mid-Atlantic.

The first major storm of the season was Hurricane Erin brought destructive storm surge to parts of the Gulf Coast, overwhelming drainage systems and forcing emergency declarations in several counties. Erin’s rapid intensification highlighted the unpredictability of this year’s storms.

The 2025 hurricane season was predicted to be 'above normal'

The NOAA updated its 2025 hurricane season outlook—originally released in May—reaffirming its forecast for “above-normal” Atlantic hurricane activity before the season ends Nov. 30. NOAA experts say the likelihood of a more intense-than-typical hurricane season is 50%, down from 60% in May.

The agency expects 13–18 named storms with winds of at least 39 mph, of which 5-9 could become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher. Of those, 2-5 could escalate to major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or more.

“As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities,” acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm said in a NOAA report.

A 2025 hurricane risk report by Cotality, a data-driven tech company, found more than 33.1 million residential properties—with a combined reconstruction cost value (RCV) of $11.7T—are at moderate or greater risk of sustaining damage from hurricane-force winds.

Florida, Texas, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts are among the states with the highest number of homes and RCV at moderate or greater risk of hurricane wind damage.

How to prepare for a hurricane before it makes landfall

The best defense is preparation. While not all damage can be avoided, readiness steps can reduce losses and stress during hurricane season.

“Ideally, you'd get hurricane-ready in the months leading up to the start of hurricane season on June 1st. This is when you should gather water, nonperishable foods, and a go-bag of important documents and other necessities, like cash and prescription medications,” says Rachael Gauthier, meteorologist at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety in Charlotte, NC.

When a storm is forecast or approaching, insurance companies typically issue “binding restrictions,” meaning they stop issuing new policies or increasing coverage until the threat has passed. That’s why it’s critical to have coverage secured well in advance.

If you live in a hurricane zone, getting ideal coverage can be difficult. Emergency savings play a crucial role in covering costs not insured. “An emergency savings buffer is vital to being ready to cover unexpected costs,” advises Melanie Musson, an insurance expert at Clearsurance.com. “If a hurricane rips off your siding and you’re not covered by home insurance, your emergency savings can help you recover financially.”

Before disaster strikes, create an evacuation route and designate meeting places inside and outside your home.

“Everyone should have an evacuation plan, since there’s always a risk you’ll have to leave your home in a hurry,” says Musson.

Once a hurricane is confirmed to be headed your way, focus on fortifying your property and ensuring safety.

“A few days before incoming storms, it’s a good idea to board up windows, bring in outside items that could become flying projectiles in high winds, and stock up on extra fuel for generators and/or vehicles,” recommends Gauthier.