Tropical Storm Alberto is expected to make landfall Thursday morning near Tampico, Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm has strengthened slightly and is now blowing winds of 50 mph with even higher gusts.
Alberto's tropical storm-force winds extend more than 450 miles north of its center into southern Texas, bringing heavy rains, coastal flooding, and gusty winds. These conditions are forecast to continue along the coasts of Texas and Northeastern Mexico through Thursday.
Forecasters predict rainfall of 5 to 10 inches across northeast Mexico and south Texas, with as much as 20 inches possible in the higher terrain areas of the Mexican states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas. This significant rainfall may lead to flash flooding, urban flooding, river flooding, and potential mudslides in areas of higher terrain.
Storm surge is expected to raise water levels by 1 to 3 feet above normal tide levels in some coastal areas of northeastern Mexico. Along the coasts of Texas and Louisiana, storm surge could reach between 1 to 4 feet at high tide.
Additionally, a few tornadoes are possible overnight across the southernmost parts of Texas and southeast Texas. Residents in these areas are advised to stay informed about the storm's progress and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.