Tropical Storm Alberto Forms Off SC Coast

5/19/2012 tropics No Comments

Just as I predicted, the first storm of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season, and only the 19th storm ever to form in the month of May, the NHC has declared the low pressure center off the SC coast Tropical Storm Alberto as of 5PM EDT.

The storm has 45 MPH winds and is centered about 145 miles ESE of Charleston SC. The storm is expected to drift southward over the next day or so, then shoot out to sea as it gets picked up by another system. The NHC says that a Tropical Storm Watch may be needed for coastal South Carolina later on tonight.

Here's a satellite view of the storm as of 431PM EDT:

And here's a radar view of the storm from about 445PM EDT from the Wilmington NC radar site:

I'll post an update on the storm later tonight if a watch is issued. Stay tuned to tropical weather using the National Hurricane Center's website.

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