Tropical Storm Alberto, the first named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, made landfall in Mexico near the U.S. border early Thursday morning, triggering severe weather advisories for millions along the southern coast of Texas.
Parts of Texas were already experiencing flooding on Wednesday, according to an NBC report. The storm prompted Texas Governor Greg Abbott to issue a disaster declaration for 51 Texas counties as the storm advanced, "to ensure Texans and at-risk regions have the resources and personnel needed to respond to this storm," he said in a statement.
The Tropical Storm Warning for the Texas coast, from San Luis Pass southward to the mouth of the Rio Grande, was lifted this morning. However, a warning remains in effect for the northeastern coast of Mexico, south of the mouth of the Rio Grande to Tecolutla.
Season’s First Storm Makes Landfall in Mexico
Alberto touched down between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. local time, about 25 miles west of Tampico, Mexico, and about 255 miles south of Brownsville, Texas. It packed sustained winds of 45 mph and the potential for significant rainfall, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm has since moved inland over Mexico.
Parts of northeast Mexico, including Coahuila, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas, are expected to receive up to 20 inches of rain. As of this morning, three storm-related deaths have been reported in Mexico, according to Time.
On a positive note, Mexican officials have emphasized that the storm's heavy rains are bringing much-needed relief from prolonged, severe drought conditions.
Emergency management officials urge residents in affected areas to stay informed and follow local guidance. The National Hurricane Center continues to monitor Alberto's progress and will provide updates as the situation evolves.
