Subtropical Storm Alberto is still a disorganized system with convection focused on the east side of the storm. The latest track has shifted a little east but still keeps Alberto well offshore in the Gulf.

As Alberto moves north into an area of lower wind shear it will likely strengthen and become more tropical in nature. After landfall along the northern Gulf Coast as a possible tropical storm, Alberto will steadily weaken.

Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for coastal areas from Pinellas to Sarasota counties. Winds will increase Sunday with gusts to 40 mph possible along the coast. The strongest winds remain offshore close to the center of circulation.

Expect heavy rain and thunderstorms tonight through Sunday with localized flooding. An additional 4-8″ of rain is possible over the next 7 days. The ground is already saturated from recent rainfall and rivers are running high. If you encounter a roadway covered in water, Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Isolated weak and brief tornadoes are possible tonight into Sunday.

Dangerous boating conditions with a high risk of rip currents continues through Memorial Day. Tides one to two feet above normal.

Early Friday afternoon, Subtropical Storm Alberto formed in the far northwestern Caribbean Sea. It still lacks organization thanks to strong upper-level winds, but an increasingly favorable environment will allow Alberto to slowly strengthen over the next couple as it moves north through the Gulf of Mexico.

The main impact from Alberto will be heavy rain, resulting in localized flooding. Rainfall totals over the next 7 days will be 4-8″+ across nearly the entire state of Florida. Heavy rains will extend up through the Southeast early next week.

Other Impacts: Tropical Storm force winds will be possible closest to the center of Alberto as it moves north. Higher than normal tides are also likely along the central and eastern Gulf Coast. A low-end threat for brief, weak tornadoes will exist along the eastern side of Alberto.