The US National Hurricane Center announced that on Wednesday (June 19th), the first tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, “Alberto,” formed in the Gulf of Mexico. Weather forecasters stated that this storm could bring heavy rain, coastal flooding, and strong winds to Texas and the northeast coast of Mexico.
“Alberto” is expected to make landfall on the coast of Mexico late Wednesday or early Thursday.
On Wednesday morning, the National Hurricane Center reported that the storm system was moving “slowly” towards the region at a speed of 8 miles per hour. The National Weather Service in the United States mentioned that rain has already begun in Texas, with the expectation that some rainfall on Wednesday afternoon may affect the I-35 highway.
The arrival of “Alberto” prompted tropical storm warnings in Corpus Christi on the Gulf Coast of Mexico and southern Texas. Flash floods may occur from Corpus Christi to Laredo and Brownsville.
Over the next 24 hours, rainfall in Texas could reach up to 10 inches, with mountainous regions in Mexico potentially receiving up to 20 inches of rainfall. This could lead to significant flash floods and urban flooding. Meteorologists mentioned that higher elevation areas in the northeast of Mexico could also face mudflows.
Tropical storm warnings have been issued from San Luis Pass on the Texas coast to the mouth of the Rio Grande, and from the mouth of the Rio Grande on the northeast coast of Mexico to Puerto de Altamira.
As of Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. Eastern time, the center of tropical storm “Alberto” was located 295 miles southeast of Brownsville, Texas, moving west at a speed of 9 miles per hour. It is expected to land on the northeast coast of Mexico early Thursday.
The Hurricane Center stated that on Thursday, tornadoes may hit parts of southern and southeastern Texas. Storm surges of up to 4 feet could occur in some areas of Texas. By Friday, the giant waves generated by “Alberto” along the coasts of Texas and northeastern Mexico could pose life-threatening conditions.
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has activated over 40 personnel, 20 vehicles, and helicopters from the state’s National Guard to respond to the impending disaster.
“We urge Texans in dangerous areas to stay vigilant, monitor weather conditions, and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones,” Abbott said in a statement.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, with most storm activity typically occurring from mid-August to mid-October.
Once the maximum sustained wind speed of a tropical cyclone exceeds 39 miles per hour, it is classified as a tropical storm. When sustained winds reach 74 miles per hour or higher, it becomes a hurricane.