Subtropical Storm Alberto formed over the northwestern Caribbean sea Friday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Alberto has top sustained winds of 40 mph as of the 10 p.m. Friday advisory and was located 110 miles southeast of Cozumel, Mexico. The storm is expected to move NE before turning north.
8pm: Most of South Florida received rain today, and with more expected over the next couple of days, there is a Flood Watch in effect from Saturday morning until Sunday evening. pic.twitter.com/kF5PWE8ALt
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) May 26, 2018
Heavy rainfall is expected to affect the Yucatan Peninsula, western Cuba, Florida and the northeastern gulf coast through Memorial Day Weekend, the hurricane center said.
Location: 19.4°N 85.7°W
Moving: E at 5 mph
Min pressure: 1006 mb
Max sustained: 40 mph
A tropical storm watch was issued at 4 p.m. for north Florida, according to the hurricane center. A flood watch is in effect for all counties in Southwest Florida from Saturday afternoon through Monday evening.
A subtropical storm has a less defined and cooler center than a tropical storm, and its strongest winds are found farther from its center. Subtropical storms can develop into tropical storms, which in turn can strengthen into hurricanes.
Alberto is the first named tropical weather system of the hurricane season. The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins June 1.
That innocent-looking swirl currently off the Yucatán Peninsula will be the center of attention for U.S. Gulf Coast residents for the next few days. Keep up with the latest on #Alberto in your local area by finding your local NWS office on Twitter at https://t.co/GWrG0hCgjd pic.twitter.com/WneErEOMKi
— National Weather Service (@NWS) May 25, 2018
More: NOAA forecasters expect 10-16 tropical storms in active season
Friday, Governor Rick Scott met with Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford and Panama City Beach Mayor Mike Thomas to prepare for upcoming impacts from Subtropical Storm Alberto.
At the meeting, Gov. Scott urged Floridians to watch the weather closely and make a plan. To make a plan, visit FLGetaPlan.com.
*Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.