US: Subtropical Storm Alberto to hit Gulf Coast May 27

Event

Subtropical Storm Alberto is forecast to hit the US Gulf Coast (including the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi) beginning on Sunday, May 27. According to the National Hurricane Center, as of 14:00 (local time) on Saturday, May 26, the storm was located at approximately 22.8 N, 85.2 W, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph), and moving northward at 20 km/h (13 mph). A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Dry Tortugas and tropical storm watches are in effect from Boca Grande to the Anclote River (Florida), from the Aucilla River (Florida) to Grand Isle (Louisiana), and from Lake Ponchartrain to Lake Maurepas (Louisiana). On Saturday, Governor of Florida Rick Scott declared a state of emergency across the state in advance of the storm.

Alberto is forecast to intensify in the coming hours and affect parts of the Gulf Coast - including eastern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the western Florida Panhandle - as well as western Tennessee, from Sunday through the middle of the week, bringing rainfall totaling around 13 to 25 cm (5 to 10 in), with locally higher amounts of up to 38 cm (15 in) possible. Flash flooding, mudslides, and consequent transportation disruptions and power outages are possible in affected areas.

Context

The official start to the Atlantic Hurricane Season is on June 1. The Atlantic Hurricane Season ends on November 30, with a peak in storm activity typically observed between mid-August and mid-October.

The 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season was marked by a series of highly destructive storms that struck the Caribbean region and the Gulf of Mexico, devastating a number of regions. According to current forecasts, the 2018 season is expected to be less intense.

Advice

Individuals present in areas to be potentially affected by the storm are advised to keep abreast of local weather alerts and those from the National Hurricane Center, confirm travel reservations, avoid coastal areas due to the risk of flooding, and adhere to all advice issued by the local authorities.

In the event of flooding, remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult. Finally, because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, wear boots and try to avoid any contact with the water. All items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected and foodstuffs discarded.