Tropical Storm Alberto Forms in the Gulf

At 10:52 a.m. Alberto became the first tropical storm of the 2006 season. It formed in the Gulf of Mexico. According to the National Weather Service, the center of the storm is located about 300 miles west southwest of Key West. It appears to be a weak storm, lacking deep convection. The heaviest downpours and thunderstorms are east of the storm center and currently are moving toward the southern part of the Florida Peninsula. Alberto may strengthen slightly but strong upper-level winds preclude further strengthening or may push it in a different path.

Within 180 miles east of the center of the tropical depression, the winds are forcast to be 20 to 30 knots with gusts to 40 knots and increasing this afternoon within 100 mile of the center to 35 knots with gusts to 45 knots. Seas are focast to be 12 feet or greater within 175 miles of the storm's northeast quadrant with the hightest seas of 15 feet.