As of the 5 PM National Hurricane Center update, Tropical Storm Imelda maintains 40 mph maximum sustained winds with higher gusts. 

The Tropical Storm Watch that was previously issued for land areas along Florida’s east coast has been lifted. However, a Tropical Storm Watch remains in place for maritime zones located to the south of the Altamaha River.

The storm is anticipated to veer eastward from late Monday through Tuesday due to a dip in the jet stream and the distant presence of Hurricane Humberto to the east. Although the storm’s core, Imelda, will likely remain far from the region, certain areas may still experience minor effects.

From tonight through the early hours of Monday, the area will see intermittent showers and isolated storms, thanks to humidity from Imelda accumulating along a stalled front. This weather pattern is set to persist until Tuesday, bringing an expected 1-2 inches of rainfall, with localized areas experiencing even more. Some parts of the Lowcountry face a Medium threat of flash flooding, while the rest of the region faces a Low threat. Poorly draining zones could see localized flooding, including roadway ponding and water pooling in low-lying areas.

Wind and coastal flooding are not expected to significantly impact the area. Along and east of I-95, gusts may reach 25-35 mph, while gusts in inland areas might reach 20-25 mph. Any coastal flooding will likely be of a minor nature, with tides slightly higher than normal due to onshore winds. Heavy rain could worsen this situation, as water could encounter drainage issues.

Beach and marine conditions will be precarious due to strong winds and waves, resulting in hazardous environments. Expect a high risk of rip currents throughout the week, with surf heights reaching four to five feet. A Small Craft Advisory will be in effect for marine zones starting at 10 AM on Monday, with winds blowing at 15 to 25 knots and wave heights reaching four to six feet in nearshore waters.

Weather conditions on land are expected to improve by Wednesday as dry, mild air moves into the area, leading to a decrease in rain chances by midweek. However, breezy conditions and elevated sea states will persist due to the pressure difference between rising high pressure to the north and Imelda receding to the east.