Subtropical Storm Alberto: Emergency warnings issued with torrential rain expected to batter Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama
Flooding, high winds and massive waves all predicted as hurricane season begins
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.States along America’s Gulf Coast have declared emergencies as the region prepares to be battered by the season’s first subtropical storm.
Heavy downpours are expected to lash Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama from Sunday as Storm Alberto arrives.
The National Hurricane Center, in Miami, issued weather warnings and told residents to take precautions. Waves as high as 18 feet are predicted to pound popular beaches along vast swathes of the coast including in Alabama and northwest Florida.
"Heavy rains and gusty winds continue to spread," the centre tweeted. "Hazardous storm surge is possible along portions of the central and eastern Gulf Coast beginning Sunday."
Alberto is the first named storm of the 2018 hurricane season which officially starts June 1.
It has already pounded parts of eastern Mexico and Cuba causing some localised flash flooding. It is expected to make US landmass on Monday.
The governors of Florida, Alabama and Mississippi have all declared states of emergency ahead of its arrival.
The city of New Orleans – one of the most geographically vulnerable metropolises – urged residents and businesses to be “prepared and stay informed”.
The main threat is from heavy rain that could lead to flooding, the city said, but added that high winds and storm surge could cause problems.
"I strongly encourage everyone to be safe and stay informed," Mayor LaToya Cantrell said in a statement reported by CNN.
Subtropical storms like Alberto have less defined and cooler centres than a tropical storm, which generally makes them less fearsome. However, they can quickly develop into tropical storms, which in turn can strengthen into hurricanes.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments