Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Subtropical Storm Alberto is expected to make landfall today along the western Florida Panhandle.
Late last night, the National Hurricane Center issued a special advisory indicating the storm had gotten stronger.
Current Conditions/Watches & Warnings:
Alberto has maximum sustained winds of 50 miles an hour, and is moving to the northwest at 8 miles an hour. Little change in intensity is expected before the storm reaches the Gulf Coast Monday.
Heavy rain is the main risk with this storm. Flooding is expected across the Florida Panhandle Sunday night. Then flooding conditions may move into parts of Alabama, western Georgia and Tennessee through Tuesday.
Dangerous rip currents will continue to impact parts of the Gulf Coast through Monday.
Alberto is the first tropical system of the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season
The difference between a "subtropical' and "tropical storm" is just a structural one that scientists use for classification purposes. Their effects on land are exactly the same, and they move in the same pattern.
Image: Latest Forecast Track (Not Seeing the Image? Click here)
Where It's Headed Next:
Right now, the storm is getting very near the Panhandle of Florida.
At this point, no real change in its path is expected. It will then push into Alabama, and eventually over western Tennessee as it slowly begins to lose its tropical characteristics.
Image: Latest Spaghetti Models Not Seeing the Image? Click here)
How Will It Impact South Carolina's Weather?
Moisture will continue to stream into the area. There will be the potential for some flash flooding across the Midlands.
A flash flood watch is in effect from midnight through 8 PM Monday. There is a small chance for severe weather.
The current projections call for Alberto to bring rain to the state beginning late Sunday. It will continue through Wednesday. Currently, most of the Midlands will see between 2 to 4 inches of rains total during that timeframe, but isolated higher amounts are possible.
Weather App Phone: on.wltx.com/WLTX_Weather_iPhone
Weather App Android: on.wltx.com/WLTX_Weather_Android
iPhone app: on.wltx.com/1NTHH98
Android app: on.wltx.com/1NTHvXq
Sign Up for WLTX Text Alerts: Text Alert Signup Page
WLTX will continue to monitor the storm as it progresses toward the United States and give updates on its possible impacts in South Carolina.
Image: Latest Satellite Photo Not Seeing the Image? Click here)