Tropical storm Alberto
Tropical Storm Alberto, the first named storm of the season, made landfall in Mexico on Wednesday night, bringing with it heavy rain and coastal flooding.
The storm, which formed off the coast of Mexico, is set to impact Texas significantly.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for Corpus Christi and south Texas, with flash flooding expected from Corpus Christi to Laredo to Brownsville.
Rainfall amounts from Tropical Storm Alberto are expected to be substantial, with totals potentially reaching 10 inches in Texas and up to 20 inches in the mountains of Mexico over the next 24 hours.
Northeast Mexico and southern Texas could see rainfall amounts between 5 to 10 inches, with maximum totals of 15 inches.
Meteorologists have warned that the storm Alberto could result in “considerable flash and urban flooding along with new and renewed river flooding.”
Mudslides are also a concern in the higher terrain areas across northeast Mexico.
Additionally, a storm surge as high as four feet might hit parts of the Texas coast.
In south Corpus Christi, forecasters predict between 6 and 10 inches of rain. Storm surge is also anticipated in Galveston and Surfside Beach, where major flooding is already occurring.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that overall rain totals have decreased slightly, with most areas expected to see between 1 to 3 inches of rain.
However, local flooding of 4 inches or more remains possible. A flood watch remains in effect until Thursday.
As of 4 a.m. CDT, the center of Tropical Storm Alberto was approximately 315 miles southeast of Brownsville, Texas, moving west-northwest at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.
The hurricane center upgraded the tropical storm watch to a warning at 4 a.m. CT on Tuesday.
By Wednesday morning, tropical-storm-force winds extended up to 415 miles north of the system’s center.
In response to the impending severe weather, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the state Division of Emergency Management to elevate the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to a readiness level of 2, initiating 24-hour operations.
“As we prepare for severe tropical weather, Texas is activating all personnel and resources needed to support Texans and communities that will be potentially impacted by excessive rain and flooding,” Gov. Abbott stated.
The Texas A&M Forest Service has mobilized four teams, comprising 100 personnel and 24 vehicles.
The Texas National Guard has also deployed three platoons, totaling more than 40 personnel and 20 vehicles, including Chinook helicopters, to assist in emergency response efforts.
The National Weather Service has advised residents in the affected areas to prepare with five to seven days’ worth of food, water, and other necessities.
The tropical storm warning includes the Texas coast from San Luis Pass to the mouth of the Rio Grande, with high winds and significant rainfall expected.
The Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1, runs through the end of November.
Most storm activity typically occurs between mid-August and mid-October.
The terms hurricane and tropical cyclone refer to similar weather phenomena, with tropical cyclone being a broad classification for rotating, low-level cloud systems and thunderstorms over tropical or subtropical waters.
A tropical cyclone is categorized as a tropical storm once its maximum wind speeds exceed 39 mph.
When sustained winds reach 74 mph or higher, it becomes a hurricane. Currently, tropical storm warnings are in place along the Texas coast, anticipating high winds and substantial rainfall.
In addition to the storm, a severe heat wave is affecting the region, with 71 million people under some form of heat advisory or warning. This heat wave is expected to last through Friday, compounding the challenges posed by Tropical Storm Alberto.
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