Tropical Storm Alberto Brings Flooding to Texas and Mexico, Results in Three Fatalities
Tropical Storm Alberto, the first named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, caused significant rainfall and coastal flooding to parts of eastern Mexico and southern Texas on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. The storm, which had tropical-force winds extending 415 miles from its center, saw maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour as it moved toward northeast Mexico.
In Texas, areas such as Surfside Beach experienced substantial flooding, prompting city officials to close beaches and issue warnings to residents. Governor Greg Abbott declared a severe-weather disaster for 51 counties and deployed various emergency resources.
The storm has had a mixed impact in Mexico. While three fatalities were reported in Nuevo León—one due to river flooding in Monterrey and two through electrical accidents during the rain—authorities in states like Tamaulipas viewed the rainfall as a potential solution to ongoing severe drought conditions. Temporary shelters have been set up, and electric crews have been mobilized in readiness for power outages.
Forecasters from the National Hurricane Center predicted that Alberto could make landfall near Tampico, Mexico, early Thursday, June 20, 2024. They also warned of potential flash flooding and mudslides due to the predicted heavy rainfall, which could reach up to 20 inches in some areas.
This storm marks the beginning of what experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast to be an above-normal hurricane season, with expectations of 17 to 25 named storms for the year.