Tropical Storm Alberto forms in the Gulf

[William769]

FORT MYERS: A Tropical Storm watch is in effect for the west coast of Florida from north of Bonita Beach to Steinhatchee. A Tropical Storm watch means that Tropical Storm conditions are possible within the watch area generally within 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Alberto is struggling to maintain itself against increasing wind shear. It is drifting slowly to the north at 7 mph and remains a Tropical Storm with sustained winds at 45 mph. The center of circulation is about 392 miles west/southwest of Naples. The western side of the system remains fairly dry, while the eastern side continues to pump moisture, rain squalls, and occaisional lightning strikes over southwest Florida.

Some slight strengthening is possible during the next 24 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles to the east of the center. The air force aircraft recently reported a minimum central pressure of 1004 mb, 29.65 inches.

Wind shear continues to eat away at the western side of the system and may play a major role on the exact track and intensity of this system. At this point there are two scenarios:

http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=7476&z=3&p=

What a way to end the weekend!