Alberto Arrives

The first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season is bearing down on the Gulf Coast.

Subtropical storm Alberto is getting stronger strength as it creeps toward the Gulf Coast. Usually, storm surges are one of the chief concerns, but forecasters say this storm will be mostly a rain event. Up to 12 inches could fall in some parts of Florida, prompting locals to ready as many sandbags as possible. The storm has already disrupted local small businesses, eating into holiday weekend tourism. The storm brought western Cuba almost five inches of rain in just a few hours Sunday, flooding streets and pushing rivers over their banks. The storm’s winds have picked up, maxing out at around 65 miles per hour, up from 50 miles per hour Sunday evening. In addition to rain and wind, forecasters also warn of possible tornadoes. Alberto is still on course to run into the Gulf Coast Monday morning.