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Tropical Storm Alberto (2024)

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Tropical Storm Alberto
Alberto at peak intensity in the western Gulf of Mexico on June 19
Meteorological history
FormedJune 19, 2024
DissipatedJune 20, 2024
Tropical storm
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds50 mph (85 km/h)
Lowest pressure992 mbar (hPa); 29.29 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities5 (2 direct, 3 indirect)
Damage$165 million (2024 USD)
Areas affected
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata / [1][2]
Part of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Storm Alberto was a broad but short-lived tropical cyclone that affected portions of Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana during June 2024. The first named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Alberto originated on June 12 from a broad area of disturbed weather in the Gulf of Mexico. A few days later, a low-pressure area formed from the disturbance, over the Bay of Campeche. It would steadily coalesce, and despite not being a tropical cyclone yet, would be designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone One by the National Hurricane Center on June 17 due to its proximity to the coast. It eventually intensified into a tropical storm two days later, being named Alberto. Its formation marked the latest start to an Atlantic hurricane season since 2014.

The next day, Alberto peaked with sustained winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) before making landfall near Tampico, Tamaulipas. Despite being weak, Alberto was unusually broad, affecting Texas, Louisiana, and Northeastern Mexico throughout its lifetime. Four people died in Nuevo León due to its rainfall: one in Monterrey, one in El Carmen, and two in Allende. Another person died in Texas due to rip currents. Damage totals in Nuevo León exceeded MX$1 billion (US$53.7 million).[2] Total damages are estimated to be at US$165 million as of October 2024.[3]

Meteorological history

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Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On June 12, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) noted that an area of disturbed weather could form over the western Gulf of Mexico and possibly develop into a tropical cyclone.[4] Several days later, early on June 17, a low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Campeche.[5] Designated Invest 91L as it emerged off the Yucatán Peninsula, the low was spawned from a disturbance within the Central American Gyre.[6] Though its thunderstorm activity was scattered, the invest began to grow better organized later that day and was designated Potential Tropical Cyclone One.[7]

The system slowly organized over the following two days as it approached the Mexican coast,[8] developing into Tropical Storm Alberto on June 19.[9] Alberto steadily intensified throughout the day, ultimately attaining peak sustained winds of 50 mph (85 km/h), and a minimum central pressure of 992 mbar (29.29 inHg).[10] Early the following morning, the system made landfall near Tampico, Tamaulipas,[11] weakening to a tropical depression inland a few hours later.[12] Rapidly weakening, it dissipated just nine hours later.[13]

Preparations

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View of Corpus Christi Bay during Alberto

Upon the designation of Alberto as a potential tropical cyclone, at 21:00 UTC on June 17, a tropical storm watch was issued from Port O'Connor, Texas to Boca de Catan, Tamaulipas.[14] Twelve hours later, the tropical storm watch was extended southward to Puerto de Altamira.[15] Early on June 18, the portion of the tropical storm watch into Texas was upgraded to a tropical storm warning.[16] About six hours later, the Mexican portion of the tropical storm watch was upgraded into a tropical storm warning.[17] At 21:00 UTC that day, the tropical storm warning was extended northward to San Luis Pass.[18] At 15:00 UTC on June 19, the tropical storm warning was extended southward to Tecolutla.[19] These warnings were discontinued as Alberto moved inland at 15:00 UTC on June 20.[20]

Ports in Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Campeche were closed.[21] In Tamaulipas, 333 shelters were opened.[22]

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott placed 51 counties under disaster declarations in advance of Alberto.[23] The governor activated three Texas National Guard platoons, consisting of 40 members, 20 vehicles, and Chinook helicopters.[24] Classes and camps at Del Mar College were cancelled, as well as summer classes in Alice and Orange Grove.[25] The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority, in coordination with the American Red Cross and the Corpus Christi Fire Department, offered voluntary evacuations on public buses at two collection stations. The Corpus Christi Fire Department also offered residents boat rides out of flooded areas.[26] An American Airlines flight to Dallas and a United Airlines flight to Houston were delayed at the Corpus Christi International Airport.[25] Amtrak's westbound Sunset Limited was cancelled between New Orleans, Louisiana, and San Antonio, Texas.[27] The Salvation Army branch in McAllen opened their building as a public emergency shelter.[28] Double red flags were hoisted at beaches in Brazoria County, signaling the closure of beaches to swimming.[29] Beaches across Cameron County were also closed.[30] Sandbags were used to protect unhatched sea turtle eggs in South Padre Island from rising water levels.[31] A wind advisory was issued for parts of southeastern Louisiana.[32]

Impact

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Mexico

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Heavy rainfall from Alberto resulted in four deaths, all in Nuevo León: one in Monterrey due to La Silla River flooding, one in El Carmen, and two in Allende (the latter three were indirect electrocution deaths).[33][34] Dam reservoirs in the Monterrey metropolitan area received significant fractions of their capacity as a result of the storm. La Boca Dam in Santiago Municipality opened its floodgates on June 20 as it was filled to 104% capacity.[35] Flooding also washed out a segment of Fed. 40 between Monterrey and Saltillo, Coahuila.[36] In Xalapa, 24 people were left homeless after days of flooding caused three buildings to collapse.[37] Damage in Nuevo León reached MX$1 billion (US$53.7 million).[2] However, the rainfall was also beneficial across the region and alleviated drought conditions.[38]

United States

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Texas

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Rainfall map over Texas.

Alberto produced heavy rainfall over Texas, mainly over the southern part of the state.[39] Precipitation accumulations peaked at 10.5 in (267 mm) in Lamar.[40] Tropical storm force winds were measured at several locations in Texas. A sustained wind of 54 mph (87 km/h) was observed at a maritime weather station on Baffin Bay. Over land, a wind speed of 47 mph (76 km/h) was observed on Padre Island within Kleberg County.[41] Increased tides also occurred in Texas, peaking at 4.05 ft (1.2 m) at San Luis Pass.[42] Storm surge in Galveston reached a height of 4 ft (1.2 m), marking the city's seventh-highest water level on record.[43]

Flooding due to Alberto in Fulton, Texas

Alberto brought significant rainfall to the Galveston area, leading to freshwater flooding. Its winds caused a 2–4 feet (0.6–1 m) storm surge, inundating coastal communities between Galveston and Freeport.[44][29] One person drowned at Galveston due to rip currents generated by the storm.[45] South of there, between Portland and Gregory, US 181 was temporarily shut down due to downed power lines.[46] Also, near Port Aransas, Mustang Island State Park was closed for storm debris cleanup,[47] as was the USS Lexington Museum in North Beach, Corpus Christi.[48] A sinkhole produced by the storm destabilized the foundation of a home on Padre Island.[49] Several creeks overflowed their banks in Jim Wells County, resulting in flooding in the communities of Alice and Alfred.[50] Additionally, an EF1 tornado touched down near Bellville, causing some property damage along its 2 mi (3.2 km) long path,[51] and two EF0 tornadoes occurred near Rockport.[52][53] Initially, Alberto was expected to relieve a three-year drought plaguing South Texas. However, soil absorbed most of the rainfall produced by the storm, allowing much less to runoff into reservoirs. A 5% increase in water levels was observed by drought monitors in the area nonetheless.[54]

Elsewhere

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Due to tides associated with Alberto, parts of Louisiana were placed under a coastal flood warning.[55] Tides reached a maximum level of 2.91 ft (0.89 m) at the Freshwater Canal Lock observation station.[56] Roads in Calcasieu, Cameron,[57] and St. Bernard parishes were closed due to flooding.[55] Tropical storm force wind gusts impacted parts of Louisiana, peaking at 41 mph (66 km/h) at the Lake Charles Regional Airport. Rainfall totals of up to 4.69 in (119.12 mm) were observed at Catfish Point.[56] Storm surge also left several roads impassible in Hancock County, Mississippi.[58] Double red flags were raised in Dauphin Island, Alabama, warning beachgoers to remain out of the water. Waves up to 5 ft (1.5 m) in height inundated Bienville Boulevard.[59]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Andrew B. Hagen; Heather Nepaul (September 5, 2024). Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Alberto (PDF) (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "Estiman pérdidas en NL por Alberto en 1,000 millones de pesos". El Economista (in Spanish). June 25, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  3. ^ Brown, Steve; Kerschner, Brian; Zheng Ng, Jin (October 2024). "Natural Catastrophe and Climate Report: Q3 2024" (PDF). ajg.com. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  4. ^ Kelly, Larry (June 12, 2024). Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  5. ^ Beven, Jack (June 17, 2024). Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  6. ^ Masters, Jeff; Henson, Bob (June 17, 2024). "Gulf of Mexico disturbance likely to develop into 2024's first tropical depression". New Haven, Connecticut: Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
  7. ^ Beven, Jack (June 17, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone One Discussion Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  8. ^ Pasch, Richard (June 19, 2024). Tropical Storm Alberto Discussion Number 7 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  9. ^ Berg, Robbie (June 19, 2024). Tropical Storm Alberto Discussion Number 8 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  10. ^ Lisa, Bucci (June 19, 2024). Tropical Storm Alberto Public Number 10 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  11. ^ Kelly, Larry (June 20, 2024). Tropical Storm Alberto Intermediate Advisory Number 11A (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  12. ^ Kelly, Larry (June 20, 2024). Tropical Storm Alberto Discussion Number 12 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  13. ^ Kelly, Larry (June 20, 2024). Remnants Of Alberto Discussion Number 13 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  14. ^ Jack Beven (June 17, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone One Advisory Number 1. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  15. ^ Eric Blake (June 17, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone One Advisory Number Two. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  16. ^ Richard Pasch (June 18, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone One Advisory Number 3. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  17. ^ Robbie Berg (June 18, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone One Advisory Number 4. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  18. ^ Robbie Berg (June 18, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone Advisory Number 5. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  19. ^ Robbie Berg (June 19, 2024). Tropical Storm Alberto Advisory Number 8. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  20. ^ Larry Kelly (June 20, 2024). Tropical Depression Alberto Advisory Number 14. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  21. ^ "Potencial Ciclón Tropical Uno: ¿Cuándo llegará y qué estados se verán afectados?". Aristegui Noticias (in Spanish). June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  22. ^ Peña, Alfredo; Martínez Barba, Mariana (June 19, 2024). "Alberto, season's first named tropical storm, dumps rain on Texas and Mexico, which reports 3 deaths". Microsoft News. AP. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  23. ^ "Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issues disaster declaration as Tropical Storm Alberto approaches". NBC News. June 19, 2024. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  24. ^ Christopher Cann; Thao Nguyen; Doyle Rice (June 20, 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto dissipates after killing 4 in Mexico; coastal flooding possible in Texas". USA Today. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  25. ^ a b Emily Salazar; Ana Tamez; Mia Valdez (June 18, 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto brings rain but little damage or need for rescues". KIII. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  26. ^ Katie Nickas (June 20, 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto's wind and rain lead to multiple road closures in Corpus Christi". Corpus Christi Caller Times. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  27. ^ "Amtrak Train 1 of 06/19/2024". dixielandsoftware.net. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  28. ^ Jesse Mendez (June 19, 2024). "McAllen Salvation Army to open as weather shelter tonight". KVEO-TV. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  29. ^ a b Hamilton, Brandon; Natario, Nick; Lodhia, Pooja (June 19, 2024). "Galveston, Surfside Beach among coastal communities hit with high winds, rain, and flooding". ABC 13. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  30. ^ Jesse Mendez (June 24, 2024). "Cameron County reopens beaches closed to Tropical Storm Alberto". KVEO-TV. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  31. ^ Blake Brown; Mia Morales (June 21, 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto jeopardizes sea turtle eggs". KVEO-TV. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  32. ^ Brantly Keiek (June 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto forms in Gulf. Here's the latest track and potential impacts". WGNO. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  33. ^ Perales, Marcela (June 20, 2024). ""Alberto" ha dejado 4 fallecidos, evacuaciones y desbordamientos en zona metropolitana de Nuevo León". El Universal (in Spanish). Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  34. ^ "Alberto Weakens to Tropical Depression Over Northern Mexico, 4 Dead". www.usnews.com. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  35. ^ "Tropical Storm Alberto replenishes dams in Nuevo León and Tamaulipas". Mexico News Daily. June 21, 2024. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  36. ^ "Alberto falls apart after causing four deaths in Mexico". Bermuda Insurance Magazine. Retrieved June 25, 2024.
  37. ^ "Tropical Storm Alberto dissipates over central Mexico after heavy rains killed 4". WSVN. June 20, 2024. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  38. ^ Drought-stricken Mexico gets some relief from Tropical Storm Alberto, Axios, June 27, 2024
  39. ^ Anthony Harrup (June 20, 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto Leaves Flooding in Texas, Mexico". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  40. ^ David Roth (2024). Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima. Weather Prediction Center (Report). Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  41. ^ Tropical Storm Alberto. National Weather Service Corpus Christi, Texas (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. July 15, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  42. ^ Post Tropical Cyclone Report (Observational Data Summary): Tropical Storm Alberto (PDF). National Weather Service Houston, Texas (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 23, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  43. ^ Matthew Cappucci (June 19, 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto brings flooding rains and ocean surge to Texas". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  44. ^ Henson, Bob; Masters, Jeff (June 19, 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto batters northeastern Mexico and Texas". New Haven, Connecticut: Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  45. ^ County Impacts Associated with Tropical Storm Alberto (2024) (PDF). National Weather Service Galveston/Houston (Report). June 24, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
  46. ^ "US Highway 81 closed due to downed powerline; updates on Tropical Storm Alberto". AOL. June 20, 2024. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  47. ^ Castillio, Rhyma (June 22, 2024). "Beach access closed after Tropical Storm Alberto tore through Texas coast". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved June 25, 2024.
  48. ^ "North Beach continues recovery efforts after first named storm of hurricane season". KIII. June 24, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  49. ^ Faith Colbert (June 26, 2024), Padre Island homeowners fear for their property after Tropical Storm Alberto creates 'sinkhole', KIII, retrieved July 4, 2024
  50. ^ Melissa Trevino (June 20, 2024), Jim Wells County residents impacted by Tropical Storm Alberto, KRIS, retrieved July 4, 2024
  51. ^ Brown, Caroline (June 21, 2024). "EF-1 tornado confirmed west of Houston amid Tropical Storm Alberto". Houston, Texas: KPRC-TV. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  52. ^ Wilson, Wes; Herrera, Lidia (June 20, 2024). "National Hurricane Center confirms Rockport-Fulton tornado, couple's home shows the aftermath". Corpus Christi, Texas: KIII. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  53. ^ akrherz@iastate.edu, daryl herzmann. "IEM :: PNS from NWS CRP". mesonet.agron.iastate.edu. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  54. ^ Lizzie Jensen (July 4, 2024), Tropical Storm Alberto didn't aid South Texas' drought as expected, KXAN, retrieved July 4, 2024
  55. ^ a b Chris Welty (June 19, 2024). "Coastal flooding from TS Alberto inundates southeast La. roadways". WVUE. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  56. ^ a b Post Tropical Cyclone Report (Observation Data) (PDF). National Weather Service Lake Charles, Louisiana (Report). July 31, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  57. ^ City & County Impacts associated with Tropical Storm Alberto (PDF). National Weather Service Lake Charles, Louisiana (Report). June 26, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  58. ^ Erin Lowrey (June 19, 2024). "Mississippi roads inundated with flooding from Tropical Storm Alberto". WDSU. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  59. ^ Daeshen Smith (June 19, 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto impacts conditions on Dauphin Island". WALA. Mobile, Alabama. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
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