Summit County Citizens Voice

First Atlantic tropical storm of season expected to weaken and move away from coast

Tropical Storm Alberto.

A May 19 satellite true-color view of Tropical Storm Alberto.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Alberto, the first tropical storm of the season in the Atlantic, continued to swirl off the coast of South Carolina with sustained winds of 50 mph and strong thunderstorms clustered around the center of circulation.

The system may graze parts of the Carolinas the next couple of days before weakening and speeding off to the northeast, but should pose any significant problems or threats to the southeast coast. In fact, the storm could bring some beneficial rains to some of the dry areas in the Southeast. But the 1 to 3 inches of rain expected on a small section of coastline won’t bring significant drought relief.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts the storm to linger near its current position for another 24 hours before an approaching trough picks it up and carries it away from the coast.

The storm only has a 5 to 10 percent chance of reaching hurricane strength but could deliver some rough surf and gusty winds to beach areas the next couple of days. Dry air near the storm, wind shear and shift in position over cooler waters will likely inhibit development, according to the NHC’s latest forecast discussion.

Filed under: climate and weather, seasons Tagged: | 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, National Hurricane Center, South Carolina, Tropical cyclone warnings and watches, Tropical Storm Alberton