Subtropical Storm Alberto is expected to strengthen as it continues to move north, bringing with it heavy rain to Florida throughout the holiday weekend.
According to the National Hurricane Center 11 a.m. advisory, Alberto has maximum sustained winds at 40 mph and is forecast to move northward or north-northeastward, followed by a turn to the northwest on Sunday.
The center of Alberto is expected to move near the western tip of Cuba this afternoon, track across the eastern Gulf of Mexico tonight through Monday and approach the northern Gulf Coast on Monday night.
On Saturday morning, Florida Governor Rick Scott also declared a state of emergency for Subtropical Storm Alberto.
In a statement, Gov. Scott said he is ensuring that the state and local government have ample time, resources and flexibility to "keep families safe and prepare for the torrential rain and severe flooding this storm will bring."
Changes to the advisory:
The government of Cuba has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio.
A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the Dry Tortugas in the Florida Keys.
A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the west coast of the Florida peninsula from Boca Grande to Anclote River. The Tropical Storm Watch along the coast of the Florida panhandle has been extended eastward to the Aucilla River.
The Storm Surge Watch has been extended eastward to Crystal River, Florida.
Summary of watches and warnings in effect:
- A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for.
- Crystal River to the Mouth of the Mississippi River
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for
- Cuban province of Pinar del Rio
- Dry Tortugas
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for
- Boca Grande to Anclote River
- Aucilla River to Grand Isle
- Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas