US: Tropical Depression Alberto impacts midwestern states May 30 /update 2

Event

Tropical Depression Alberto has brought heavy rains, flooding, mudslides, and consequent transportation disruptions and power outages to parts of the southern, eastern, and midwestern US in recent days after making landfall in the Florida Panhandle on Monday, May 28. According to the National Hurricane Center, at 10:00 (local time) on Wednesday, May 30, Alberto was located at approximately 38.7 N, 87.4 W (about 129 km [80 mi] southwest of Indianapolis), packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h (30 mph), and was moving north-northeastward at 28 km/h (17 mph).

Associated flash flood warnings and watches are in effect for parts of the southern Appalachian Mountains (including portions of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia). Further rainfall of 5-10 cm (2-4 in) is expected along the Illinois-Indiana border and into southern Michigan in the coming hours. Flooding and consequent traffic disruptions are possible in affected areas.

Context

Alberto is the first named storm of the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which does not officially begin until June 1. Researchers are predicting a slightly above-average hurricane season for 2018, with 14 named storms (i.e. hurricanes and tropical storms), seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes expected.

Advice

Individuals in the above areas are advised to follow all instructions issued by the local authorities (i.e. evacuation orders) and monitor local weather forecasts. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.