Alberto’s Tropical Storm Floods Texas; Mexico Prepares for Landfall
TL/DR –
Tropical Storm Alberto, the first named storm of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, has prompted warnings for over two million people along the Texas Gulf Coast and is set to make landfall near Tampico, Mexico. The storm is causing widespread coastal flooding in Texas and has already resulted in three deaths in Mexico. Forecasters predict rainfall of up to a foot or more in parts of Texas and Mexico, with Alberto’s effects expected to extend well beyond its center and concern is growing over potential mudslides in the hills of Mexico.
Tropical Storm Alberta Liaises Southern Texas and Mexico Coast
The Texas Gulf Coast and Mexico are on high alert as Tropical Storm Alberto, the first Atlantic hurricane season’s storm, approaches, affecting over two million people. The storm brings heavy rain and storm surges, prompting a tropical storm warning.
Before Alberto’s predicted landfall, southern Texas experienced widespread coastal flooding on Wednesday. Officials in Mexico are taking measures to prevent flooding, like cleaning drainage points and monitoring dam, river, and stream levels.
Storm-related incidents in Nuevo León, Mexico, have already claimed three lives, according to El Universal newspaper. Texas is experiencing increased tides, particularly in coastal cities like Surfside Beach, leading to its closure and warnings for visitors to stay away.
Alberto’s Size and Impact
The National Hurricane Center reports that Alberto is large, with tropical-force winds extending 415 miles north of its center. The storm is moving west towards northeastern Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour. But the main concern is the predicted foot or more rainfall for parts of Texas and Mexico.
The storm could make landfall near Tampico, Mexico, but will impact well beyond that. From San Luis Pass near Galveston to Tecolutla in Veracruz, Mexico, a 700-mile stretch of coast is under a tropical storm warning.
Preparations in Mexico
Authorities are preparing for the storm, setting up temporary shelters and deploying electricians to respond to power outages in the most affected states of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Nuevo León. On the contrary, Luis Gerardo González, the Tamaulipas state civil protection coordinator, welcomes the rains, which are expected to alleviate the ongoing water crisis and heatwaves.
Disaster Declaration in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas activated emergency management resources ahead of Alberto’s arrival and announced a severe-weather disaster declaration for 51 counties on Wednesday. In Corpus Christi, two people were rescued due to floodwaters, and on South Padre Island, officials distributed free sandbags.
Hurricane Season Outlook
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, with 17 to 25 named storms expected, an “above-normal” number. This prediction aligns with earlier forecasts suggesting a busier-than-usual season.
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