Tropical Storm Watch Issued for Tampa, Sarasota Ahead of Alberto

1. Alberto hazards extend hundreds of miles from center.
2. Tropical storm force winds and storm surge possible from Pensacola to Tampa.
3. Flooding and isolated tornadoes possible across most of the state.

Rain from the season's first named storm moved into much of South Florida early Saturday morning, but in most cases it has been light and steady. Heavier rain bands from Subtropical Storm Alberto are forecast to move across the peninsula Saturday night and Sunday, and a Flood Watch continues for all of central and south Florida through Sunday evening.

A steady, sometimes moderate, rain is already overspreading the southern third of #Florida in advance of #Alberto. A Flood Watch continues for areas along and south of the I-4 corridor. #flwx pic.twitter.com/6gQmRrhsuQ

— Florida Storms (@FloridaStorms) May 26, 2018

The latest official advisory information on Alberto from the National Hurricane Center is available below.The coastal hazards associated with Alberto, namely high surf, coastal flooding, and minor surge will begin to affect portions of southwest Florida Saturday night, moving up the coast to west-central sections of the state on Sunday. Water spouts and an isolated tornado are also possible in the stronger rain squalls Sunday, as low-level spin increases on Alberto's eastern side.

Beyond Sunday, Subtropical Storm Alberto is forecast to turn to the northwest - further away from Florida's west coast - and approach the Florida Panhandle. By Monday, conditions are projected to become more favorable for strengthening into a formidable tropical storm, and Alberto is likely to make landfall near or just west of Pensacola. Residents near and just inland from the coast from Pensacola to Florida's Big Bend should prepare for all hazards a tropical storm may produce. This includes storm surge flooding, possible minor wind damage, inland flooding from heavy rain and water spouts.

Lingering moisture will likely lead to several more days of enhanced rainfall across the peninsula and panhandle, but the coastal hazards should subside some by Tuesday.