A new tropical depression aimed directly at the U.S. east coast is taking shape in the Caribbean as powerful Hurricane Humberto continues to curve away from landfall, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said on Saturday, opens new tab.
The new storm, known currently as Tropical Depression Nine, is expected to gather strength and be declared Hurricane Imelda as it approaches Florida, Georgia and South Carolina on Monday. Forecasters are warning of heavy rains, flash flooding and swelling seas.
Meanwhile, Humberto has reached Category 4 wind speeds as it arcs north and east towards the Bahamas. With sustained winds of 145 mph (230 km/h), it is expected to send powerful swells that will bring life-threatening waves and rip currents to the U.S. coast.