Potential Tropical Storm Alberto to bring heavy rain and winds
SAN ANTONIO - Potential Cyclone One in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to intensify into Tropical Storm Alberto within the next 24 hours.
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The system will continue its slow northward progression before veering west-northwest, making landfall along the Mexican coast, well south of Brownsville, by 7 a.m. on Thursday. This trajectory keeps the storm south of the United States border, but its effects will still be felt in parts of Texas, particularly the coastal areas.
As the system approaches, bands of heavy rain and gusty winds will start moving inland through Wednesday and into the night. The greatest impacts will be experienced by the coastal counties, where the combination of tropical rain and gusty winds will be most pronounced.
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Locally, multiple bands of tropical rain are expected to arrive by Wednesday morning, continuing through Thursday. Rainfall totals are projected to average between one to three inches. Some localized flooding is possible in heavier downpours.
The winds associated with this system will become gusty by late this afternoon Wednesday, ranging from 20 to 30 mph. By Wednesday evening and overnight, higher gusts between 35 to 45 mph are possible, especially within the rain bands. These conditions will make travel hazardous and could lead to power outages and minor structural damage. Residents should secure outdoor objects and prepare for gusty winds.
Any deviation in the storm’s path could alter the impacts. A shift to the north would likely bring more rain and potential flooding, while a slide to the south would result in less rainfall for the affected areas.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Texas coast from Pt. O’Connor to the mouth of the Rio Grande River, highlighting the need for staying alert among coastal communities.
Additionally, a Flood Watch is in place for all of South Texas, including Bexar County, through Thursday afternoon. A Coastal Flood Warning is also in effect until Thursday morning, predicting up to three feet of coastal flooding along beaches and bays near Corpus Christi, and up to four feet near Galveston.
Focus should remain on the early onset of tropical rain bands on Wednesday, the potential for localized and flash flooding, and the gusty winds accompanying the rain bands. Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared as the situation develops.
