Tropical Storm Alberto made its way towards northeast Mexico, marking the first named storm of the season. While the storm brought heavy rains that resulted in three fatalities in Nuevo Leon state, it also offered hope to a region grappling with a severe drought.
Authorities in Mexico downplayed the risk posed by Alberto and instead focused on the potential relief it could bring to the water needs of the parched region. Tamaulipas state Secretary of Hydrological Resources emphasized that the storm's wind speeds were not alarming and encouraged residents to welcome Alberto as a beneficial event.
Despite the positive outlook, Nuevo Leon state reported three deaths related to Alberto's rains, including one man who drowned in a river and two minors who succumbed to electric shocks. As a precautionary measure, public transportation services were suspended in Monterrey until the storm passed.
Alberto, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, was positioned east of Tampico, Mexico, and south-southeast of Brownsville, Texas. The storm was moving westward, impacting coastal areas of both Mexico and Texas with heavy rainfall and flooding.
In Texas, the National Weather Service warned of potential flash flooding and the likelihood of tornadoes or waterspouts. Road flooding and dangerous rip currents were already observed along the Texas coast, with waterspouts sighted offshore.
Residents in Tampico, Mexico, expressed optimism about Alberto's arrival, hoping for much-needed rain to replenish water sources. Schools in Tamaulipas were closed for the week due to the risk of localized flooding.
Forecasts predicted significant rainfall amounts in both Texas and Mexico, with the potential for mudslides and flash flooding in certain states. Alberto was expected to weaken rapidly over land and dissipate by Thursday.
As the storm continued to impact regions on both sides of the border, authorities urged caution and preparedness for the adverse weather conditions.
