The National Hurricane Center has issued its first advisory for Subtropical Storm Alberto.
BULLETIN Subtropical Storm Alberto Advisory Number 1 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL012018 1000 AM CDT Fri May 25 2018 ...PRE-SEASON SUBTROPICAL STORM ALBERTO FORMS OVER THE NORTHWESTERN CARIBBEAN SEA... ...HEAVY RAINFALL EXPECTED TO AFFECT THE YUCATAN PENINSULA...WESTERN CUBA...FLORIDA...AND THE NORTHEASTERN GULF COAST THROUGH THE WEEKEND... SUMMARY OF 1000 AM CDT...1500 UTC...INFORMATION ----------------------------------------------- LOCATION...19.7N 86.8W ABOUT 55 MI...90 KM S OF COZUMEL MEXICO ABOUT 195 MI...315 KM SW OF THE WESTERN TIP OF CUBA MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH...65 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNE OR 20 DEGREES AT 6 MPH...9 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1005 MB...29.68 INCHES WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY: The Government of Mexico has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula from Tulum to Cabo Catoche. The Government of Cuba has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the western Cuban province of Pinar del Rio. SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT: A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for... * Tulum to Cabo Catoche Mexico * Cuban province of Pinar del Rio A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, in this case within the next 24 hours. Interests along the central and eastern U.S. Gulf Coast should monitor the progress of Alberto. Tropical storm and storm surge watches could be required for portions of this area later today or tonight. For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your national meteorological service. DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK ---------------------- At 1000 AM CDT (1500 UTC), the center of Subtropical Storm Alberto was located near latitude 19.7 North, longitude 86.8 West. The storm is moving toward the north-northeast near 6 mph (9 km/h). A general slow motion toward the north is expected through the weekend, followed by a northwest turn by Monday. On the foreast track, Alberto is expected to pass near the eastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula tonight, be near the western tip of Cuba Saturday morning, emerge over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by Saturday night, and approach the north-central Gulf Coast on Monday. Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph (65 km/h) with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast for the next 72 hours. Winds of 40 mph extend outward up to 115 miles (185 km) from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1005 mb (29.68 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- RAINFALL: Alberto is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 10 to 15 inches with isolated totals of 25 inches across the northeastern portions of the Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba. These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. Rainfall accmumulations of 4 to 8 inches with maximum amounts of 12 inches are possible across the Florida Keys and southern and southwestern Florida. Heavy rain will likely begin to affect the central Gulf Coast region and the southeastern Untied States later this weekend and continue into early next week. Flooding potential will increase across this region early next week as Alberto is forecast to slow down after it moves inland. WIND: Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area through Saturday. SURF: Swells generated by Alberto are affecting portions of the coast of eastern Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Hazardous surf conditions are likely to develop along much of the central and eastern U.S. Gulf Coast this weekend. For more information, consult products from your local weather office. NEXT ADVISORY ------------- Next intermediate advisory at 100 PM CDT. Next complete advisory at 400 PM CDT. $$ Forecaster Stewart
Following below is Santa Rosa County’s most recent update on the system. Additionally, Gulf Islands National Seashore’s Fort Pickens Area may close Saturday afternoon due to expected weather conditions and the National Park Service recommends checking their website or calling the Gulf Islands closures hotline (850) 934-2656 for more information.
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Heavy rains Saturday through Tuesday – Update #2
Sand available in four locations, sandbags at local hardware stores
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Due to a developing area of low pressure over the central Gulf of Mexico, heavy rains and widespread flooding can be expected Saturday continuing into early next week. Damaging straight-line winds and isolated tornadoes will also be possible with the stronger thunderstorms.
Hurricane season starts June 1. This event is a good opportunity for you to find your flood zone ( www.santarosa.fl.gov/knowyourzone), review your disaster plan, check your supplies ( the first 72 are on you!), and to make sure you have a safe place to go in the event of a tornado warning.
Current Situation
The Santa Rosa County Emergency Management staff are currently monitoring the situation along with the National Weather Service in Mobile, Alabama.
Current Weather Watches and Advisories
Rip Currents A moderate risk for rip currents will continue through tonight. A high risk of rip currents begins Friday and lasts through the start of next week. Rip currents are our number one danger. Follow the beach flag warning system and obey lifeguard direction. High surf with waves of five feet and higher can be expected.
Graduation Ceremonies
Based on the current situation, the Santa Rosa School Board graduation ceremonies for Gulf Breeze, Pace and Navarre high schools are still scheduled on May 26 as planned. Any updates will be sent from the school board directly to families of graduates.
Memorial Day Ceremonies
Sand Bags
Those living in low-lying and flood-prone areas should pay special attention and make preparations now. The county’s public works department has sand available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the following locations:
Bring your own sandbags and shovel. Bags can be purchased for less than 50 cents each at local hardware stores, including Hall’s Hardware in Milton and Lowe’s in Pace/Pea Ridge. For more information on how to make and use sandbags, visit the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes ( www.flash.org).
Roads and Bridges
Bridges are closed only when sustained winds of 39mph or greater are detected onsite. No roads or bridges are closed in advance. Santa Rosa County road closures are posted at www.santarosa.fl.gov. State and interstate road and bridge closures (highways 87, 89, 90, 98, I-10, and Garcon Point Bridge) are posted at www.fl511.com.
For more information on current weather events, visit www.weather.gov/mob. Sign up for local weather and other disaster alerts at www.alertsantarosa.com. For information on preparing for disasters, visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency or pick up a disaster guide at any Santa Rosa County office.
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