(This story was updated to add new information.)
Tropical Storm Imelda is strengthening as it passes over the Bahamas. Imelda is expected to take a sharp turn away from the southeastern United States on Tuesday, Sept. 30, which should lessen the impacts on the North Carolina coast.
As of 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29, Tropical Storm Imelda was located about 55 miles north of Great Abaco Island and about 220 miles east-southeast of Cape Canaveral in Florida. Maximum sustained winds had reached 60 mph, and the storm was moving north at 9 mph.
Imelda is expected to reach hurricane strength on Tuesday. On the forecast track, the center of the system is expected to move across the northwestern Bahamas Monday and then turn east-northeastward, moving away from the southeastern United States by the middle part of this week, according to the hurricane center.
STORM TRACKER: Monitor the latest tropical developments here.
A look back at damage from Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight in Wilmington
What to expect in Wilmington
The main threat from Imelda across the Wilmington area will be along the coast where a combination ofwaves from Humberto and Imelda create hazardous maritime conditions, and rough surf and rip currents, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
A high surf advisory is in place through Thursday evening, with breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet expected in the surf zone.
A few waterspouts are also possible Monday and Tuesday, and there is still some potential for flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas through Tuesday.
The area is expected to see an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain with up to 4 inches in some coastal locations, the weather service said.
Tropical storm force wind gusts are not likely across land areas. The strongest winds are expected to remain off the coast.
Here is the weather forecast in Wilmington over the next few days.
Monday: Cloudy, with a high near 78. Northeast wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph. Possible thunderstorms after 2:00 p.m. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Showers likely, mainly before 5 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 76. North wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. North wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
North Carolina weather radar
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Are you prepared?
Though Imelda isn't forecast to hit land, officials are still urging residents to be prepared during hurricane season.
“While Tropical Storm Imelda is being pulled offshore, North Carolinians along the coast must remain vigilant as coastal flooding and life-threatening rip currents impact the region,” said Gov. Josh Stein. “Our State Emergency Response Team remains ready to quickly respond to any needs and keep coastal residents and visitors safe.”
North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray said the State Emergency Response Team has been prepared for all possibilities regarding Imelda. Following a state of emergency being declared by Stein on Saturday, Sept. 27, the State Emergency Response Team prepared and positioned search and rescue teams and communications equipment.
“We are still in the height of hurricane season, and all North Carolinians should remain vigilant and prepared for changing weather conditions," Ray said.
Now is the time to check your hurricane supplies and make sure your home is secured against tropical weather.
GET READY: Here's what to know about hurricane preparedness if you live in the Wilmington area.
What are rip currents?
According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association, rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches. Often these currents move swimmers far from shore before they realize it, taking them into deeper water. This can cause fear and distress as the swimmers attempt to make it back to shore.
How to identify a rip current
Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but beachgoers should look for water that is darker in color, choppy and leaves a break in the incoming wave pattern. They form at low spots or breaks in sandbars, piling up water between the breaking waves and the beach. The water returns to sea through the rip current. Another clue may be a line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward.
What to do in a rip current
If you find yourself caught in a rip current, do not swim against the current.
While it may be difficult to do, the U.S. Lifesaving Association says swimmers should "relax," noting the rip current will not pull them under. Swimmers should try swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach.
The U.S. Lifesaving Association notes if the current circulates back toward the shore, floating or treading water may be a good way to get out of the current.
Finally, if you feel you are unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by yelling for help and waving to those on the shore.