Tropical Storm Alberto (2024)

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Tropical Storm Alberto
Alberto at peak intensity in the western Gulf of Mexico on June 19
Meteorological history
FormedJune 19, 2024
DissipatedJune 20, 2024
Tropical storm
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds50 mph (85 km/h)
Lowest pressure992 mbar (hPa); 29.29 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities5 (2 direct, 3 indirect)
Damage$265 million (2024 USD)
Areas affected
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata / [1][2]
Part of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Storm Alberto was a broad but short-lived tropical cyclone that affected portions of Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana during June 2024. The first named storm of the extremely active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Alberto originated on June 12 from a broad area of disturbed weather in the Gulf of Mexico that later developed into an area of low pressure in the Bay of Campeche. The disturbance was designated Potential Tropical Cyclone One by the National Hurricane Center on June 17. Two days later, the disturbance strengthened into a tropical storm and was assigned the name Alberto. The next day, Alberto peaked with sustained winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) before making landfall near Tampico. After landfall, Alberto rapidly weakened and dissipated nine hours after landfall on June 20.

Despite being weak, Alberto was unusually broad, affecting Texas, Louisiana, and Northeastern Mexico throughout its lifetime. Alberto produced heavy flooding across Mexico and Texas, with Lamar recording 10.5 in (267 mm) of rainfall. Three tornadoes were spawned by the storm, including an EF1 tornado near Bellville that caused minor damage to a business and at least two homes. Five deaths occurred as a result of the storm — four in Nuevo León and one in Galveston. Alberto caused an estimated $265 million (2024 USD) in damage.

Meteorological history

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Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

The origins of Alberto can be traced back to the development of a Central American Gyre (CAG) feature – a broad low-pressure area centered over Central America – that the National Hurricane Center (NHC) first began to monitor for potential development on June 15.[1][3] Two days later on June 17, the northern end of this feature emerged over the Bay of Campeche.[4] The system slowly moved northward, and due to the threat of impacts to the Mexican coastline, it was designated Potential Tropical Cyclone One by the NHC later that day.[5] At the time, the disturbance displayed a large area of gales to its north, enhanced by a pressure gradient due to a ridge of high pressure to its north over the Central United States, although thunderstorm activity was sparse around the ill-defined circulation.[1]

The disturbance turned westward on June 19, and under favorable conditions, convection became more concentrated near the increasingly-defined center, leading to the designation of the system as Tropical Storm Alberto at 12:00 UTC that day while located approximately 205 mi (330 km) north of Tampico, Mexico.[1][6] Alberto steadily intensified and grew more organized throughout the day with its radius of maximum wind contracting slightly, ultimately attaining peak sustained winds of 50 mph (85 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 992 mbar (29.29 inHg) at 00:00 UTC on June 20;[1] accelerating slightly and making landfall nine hours later at 09:00 UTC in Tampico.[7] The storm rapidly weakened over the rugged Mexican terrain,[8] dissipating just nine hours after landfall.[9]

Preparations

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Upon the designation of Alberto as a potential tropical cyclone at 21:00 UTC on June 17, a tropical storm watch was issued from Port O'Connor to Boca de Catan.[10] Twelve hours later, the tropical storm watch was extended southward to Puerto de Altamira.[11] Early on June 18, the portion of the tropical storm watch into Texas was upgraded to a tropical storm warning.[12] About six hours later, the Mexican portion of the tropical storm watch was upgraded into a tropical storm warning.[13] At 21:00 UTC that day, the tropical storm warning was extended northward to San Luis Pass.[14] At 15:00 UTC on June 19, the tropical storm warning was extended southward to Tecolutla.[15] These warnings were discontinued as Alberto moved inland at 15:00 UTC on June 20.[16]

Ports in Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Campeche were closed.[17] In Tamaulipas, 333 shelters were opened.[18]

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott placed 51 counties under disaster declarations in advance of Alberto.[19] The governor activated three Texas National Guard platoons, consisting of 40 members, 20 vehicles, and Chinook helicopters.[20] Classes and camps at Del Mar College were cancelled, as well as summer classes in Alice and Orange Grove.[21] The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority, in coordination with the American Red Cross and the Corpus Christi Fire Department, offered voluntary evacuations on public buses at two collection stations. The Corpus Christi Fire Department also offered residents boat rides out of flooded areas.[22] An American Airlines flight to Dallas and a United Airlines flight to Houston were delayed at the Corpus Christi International Airport.[21] Amtrak's westbound Sunset Limited was cancelled between New Orleans, Louisiana, and San Antonio, Texas.[23] The Salvation Army branch in McAllen opened their building as a public emergency shelter.[24] Double red flags were hoisted at beaches in Brazoria County, signaling the closure of beaches to swimming.[25] Beaches across Cameron County were also closed.[26] Sandbags were used to protect unhatched sea turtle eggs in South Padre Island from rising water levels.[27] A wind advisory was issued for parts of southeastern Louisiana.[28]

Impact

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Wind history map of Alberto
Wind field history of Alberto throughout its lifetime

Mexico

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Four deaths occurred as a result of Alberto in Mexico, all in Nuevo León.[29] A 16-year old drowned in Monterrey as a result of flooding, while two 12-year old children and a man were electrocuted.[30][1] Dam reservoirs in the Monterrey metropolitan area received significant fractions of their capacity as a result of the storm. La Boca Dam in Santiago Municipality opened its floodgates on June 20 as it was filled to 104% capacity.[31] Flooding also washed out a segment of Fed. 40 between Monterrey and Saltillo, Coahuila.[32] Many bridges and roads in Monterrey were affected as embankments collapsed and concrete was torn off, causing entire lanes to fall apart.[33] In Xalapa, 24 people were left homeless after days of flooding caused three buildings to collapse.[34] As of October 2024, according to AON, damages in Mexico are at US$140 million.[35] However, the rainfall was also beneficial across the region and alleviated drought conditions.[36]

United States

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Texas

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Map of rainfall over Texas and surrounding areas due to Alberto
Rainfall map over the US as a result of Alberto
See also: List of United States tornadoes from June to July 2024 § June 19 event

One death occurred directly as a result of Alberto in Texas as a 17-year old was caught in a rip current in Galveston.[1] Alberto produced heavy rainfall over Texas, mainly over the southern part of the state.[37] Precipitation accumulations peaked at 10.5 in (267 mm) in Lamar.[38] Tropical storm force winds were measured at several locations in Texas. A sustained wind of 54 mph (87 km/h) was observed at a maritime weather station on Baffin Bay. Over land, a wind speed of 47 mph (76 km/h) was observed on Padre Island within Kleberg County.[39] Increased tides also occurred in Texas, peaking at 4.05 ft (1.2 m) at San Luis Pass.[40] Storm surge in Galveston reached a height of 4 ft (1.2 m), marking the city's seventh-highest water level on record.[41]

Flooding near a house in Fulton, Texas
Flooding due to Alberto in Fulton, Texas

Alberto brought significant rainfall to the Galveston area, leading to freshwater flooding. Its winds caused a 2–4 feet (0.6–1 m) storm surge, inundating coastal communities between Galveston and Freeport.[42][25] One person drowned at Galveston due to rip currents generated by the storm.[43] South of there, between Portland and Gregory, US 181 was temporarily shut down due to downed power lines.[44] Also, near Port Aransas, Mustang Island State Park was closed for storm debris cleanup,[45] as was the USS Lexington Museum in North Beach, Corpus Christi.[46] A sinkhole produced by the storm destabilized the foundation of a home on Padre Island.[47] Several creeks overflowed their banks in Jim Wells County, resulting in flooding in the communities of Alice and Alfred.[48] Additionally, an EF1 tornado touched down near Bellville, causing some property damage along its 2 mi (3.2 km) long path,[49] and two EF0 tornadoes occurred near Rockport.[50][51] Initially, Alberto was expected to relieve a three-year drought plaguing South Texas. However, soil absorbed most of the rainfall produced by the storm, allowing much less to runoff into reservoirs. A 5% increase in water levels was observed by drought monitors in the area nonetheless.[52] Damage in Texas is estimated to be at US$125 million.[1]

Elsewhere

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Due to tides associated with Alberto, parts of Louisiana were placed under a coastal flood warning.[53] Tides reached a maximum level of 2.91 ft (0.89 m) at the Freshwater Canal Lock observation station.[1] Roads in Calcasieu, Cameron and St. Bernard parishes were closed due to flooding.[54][53] Tropical storm force wind gusts impacted parts of Louisiana, peaking at 41 mph (66 km/h) at the Lake Charles Regional Airport. Rainfall totals of up to 4.69 in (119.12 mm) were observed at Catfish Point.[55] Storm surge also left several roads impassable in Hancock County, Mississippi.[56] Double red flags were raised in Dauphin Island, Alabama, warning beachgoers to remain out of the water. Waves up to 5 ft (1.5 m) in height inundated Bienville Boulevard.[57]

See also

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Footnotes

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Hagen, Andrew; Nepaul, Heather (September 5, 2024). Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Alberto (PDF) (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  2. ^ "Estiman pérdidas en NL por Alberto en 1,000 millones de pesos". El Economista (in Spanish). June 25, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  3. ^ Kelly, Larry (June 12, 2024). Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  4. ^ Beven, Jack (June 17, 2024). Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  5. ^ Beven, Jack (June 17, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone One Discussion Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  6. ^ Pasch, Richard (June 19, 2024). Tropical Storm Alberto Discussion Number 7 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  7. ^ Kelly, Larry (June 20, 2024). Tropical Storm Alberto Intermediate Advisory Number 11A (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  8. ^ Kelly, Larry (June 20, 2024). Tropical Storm Alberto Discussion Number 12 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  9. ^ Kelly, Larry (June 20, 2024). Remnants Of Alberto Discussion Number 13 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  10. ^ Beven, Jack (June 17, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone One Advisory Number 1. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  11. ^ Blake, Eric (June 17, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone One Advisory Number Two. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  12. ^ Pasch, Richard (June 18, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone One Advisory Number 3. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  13. ^ Berg, Robbie (June 18, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone One Advisory Number 4. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  14. ^ Berg, Robbie (June 18, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone Advisory Number 5. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  15. ^ Berg, Robbie (June 19, 2024). Tropical Storm Alberto Advisory Number 8. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  16. ^ Kelly, Larry (June 20, 2024). Tropical Depression Alberto Advisory Number 14. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  17. ^ "Potencial Ciclón Tropical Uno: ¿Cuándo llegará y qué estados se verán afectados?". Aristegui Noticias (in Spanish). June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  18. ^ Peña, Alfredo; Martínez Barba, Mariana (June 19, 2024). "Alberto, season's first named tropical storm, dumps rain on Texas and Mexico, which reports 3 deaths". Microsoft News. AP. Retrieved June 28, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. ^ Smith, Patrick; Chen, Melissa; Helsel, Phil (June 19, 2024). "Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issues disaster declaration as Tropical Storm Alberto approaches". NBC News. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  20. ^ Cann, Christopher; Nguyen, Thao; Rice, Doyle (June 20, 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto dissipates after killing 4 in Mexico; coastal flooding possible in Texas". USA Today. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  21. ^ a b Salazar, Emily; Tamez, Ana; Valdez, Mia (June 18, 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto brings rain but little damage or need for rescues". KIII. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  22. ^ Nickas, Katie (June 20, 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto's wind and rain lead to multiple road closures in Corpus Christi". Corpus Christi Caller Times. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  23. ^ "Amtrak Train 1 of 06/19/2024". dixielandsoftware.net. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  24. ^ Mendez, Jesse (June 19, 2024). "McAllen Salvation Army to open as weather shelter tonight". KVEO-TV. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  25. ^ a b Hamilton, Brandon; Natario, Nick; Lodhia, Pooja (June 19, 2024). "Galveston, Surfside Beach among coastal communities hit with high winds, rain, and flooding". ABC 13. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  26. ^ Mendez, Jesse (June 24, 2024). "Cameron County reopens beaches closed to Tropical Storm Alberto". KVEO-TV. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  27. ^ Brown, Blake; Morales, Mia (June 21, 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto jeopardizes sea turtle eggs". KVEO-TV. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  28. ^ Keiek, Brantly (June 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto forms in Gulf. Here's the latest track and potential impacts". WGNO. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  29. ^ Perales, Marcela (June 20, 2024). ""Alberto" ha dejado 4 fallecidos, evacuaciones y desbordamientos en zona metropolitana de Nuevo León". El Universal (in Spanish). Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  30. ^ "Alberto Weakens to Tropical Depression Over Northern Mexico, 4 Dead". www.usnews.com. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  31. ^ "Tropical Storm Alberto replenishes dams in Nuevo León and Tamaulipas". Mexico News Daily. June 21, 2024. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  32. ^ "Alberto falls apart after causing four deaths in Mexico". Bermuda Insurance Magazine. Retrieved June 25, 2024.
  33. ^ Paredes, Susana (June 20, 2025). "Tormenta 'Alberto' dejó la reconstrucción de una ciudad y el renacimiento de la presa La Boca". Milenio. Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
  34. ^ "Tropical Storm Alberto dissipates over central Mexico after heavy rains killed 4". WSVN. June 20, 2024. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  35. ^ Čejka, Tomáš; Elizondo, Antonio; Hotový, Ondřej; Lörinc, Michal (October 2024). "Q3 Global Catastrophe Recap October 2024" (PDF). aon.com. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  36. ^ "Drought-stricken Mexico gets some relief from Tropical Storm Alberto". Axios. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  37. ^ Harrup, Anthony (June 20, 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto Leaves Flooding in Texas, Mexico". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  38. ^ Roth, David (2024). Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima. Weather Prediction Center (Report). Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  39. ^ Tropical Storm Alberto. National Weather Service Corpus Christi, Texas (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. July 15, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  40. ^ Post Tropical Cyclone Report (Observational Data Summary): Tropical Storm Alberto (PDF). National Weather Service Houston, Texas (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 23, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  41. ^ Matthew Cappucci (June 19, 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto brings flooding rains and ocean surge to Texas". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  42. ^ Henson, Bob; Masters, Jeff (June 19, 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto batters northeastern Mexico and Texas". New Haven, Connecticut: Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  43. ^ County Impacts Associated with Tropical Storm Alberto (2024) (PDF). National Weather Service Galveston/Houston (Report). June 24, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
  44. ^ "US Highway 81 closed due to downed powerline; updates on Tropical Storm Alberto". AOL. June 20, 2024. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  45. ^ Castillio, Rhyma (June 22, 2024). "Beach access closed after Tropical Storm Alberto tore through Texas coast". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved June 25, 2024.
  46. ^ "North Beach continues recovery efforts after first named storm of hurricane season". KIII. June 24, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  47. ^ Faith Colbert (June 26, 2024), Padre Island homeowners fear for their property after Tropical Storm Alberto creates 'sinkhole', KIII, retrieved July 4, 2024
  48. ^ Trevino, Melissa (June 20, 2024), Jim Wells County residents impacted by Tropical Storm Alberto, KRIS, retrieved July 4, 2024
  49. ^ Brown, Caroline (June 21, 2024). "EF-1 tornado confirmed west of Houston amid Tropical Storm Alberto". Houston, Texas: KPRC-TV. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  50. ^ Wilson, Wes; Herrera, Lidia (June 20, 2024). "National Hurricane Center confirms Rockport-Fulton tornado, couple's home shows the aftermath". Corpus Christi, Texas: KIII. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  51. ^ Herzmann, Daryl. "IEM :: PNS from NWS CRP". mesonet.agron.iastate.edu. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  52. ^ Jensen, Lizzie (July 4, 2024), Tropical Storm Alberto didn't aid South Texas' drought as expected, KXAN, retrieved July 4, 2024
  53. ^ a b Welty, Chris (June 19, 2024). "Coastal flooding from TS Alberto inundates southeast La. roadways". WVUE. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  54. ^ City & County Impacts associated with Tropical Storm Alberto (PDF). National Weather Service Lake Charles, Louisiana (Report). June 26, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  55. ^ Post Tropical Cyclone Report (Observation Data) (PDF). National Weather Service Lake Charles, Louisiana (Report). July 31, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  56. ^ Lowrey, Erin (June 19, 2024). "Mississippi roads inundated with flooding from Tropical Storm Alberto". WDSU. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  57. ^ Smith, Daeshen (June 19, 2024). "Tropical Storm Alberto impacts conditions on Dauphin Island". WALA. Mobile, Alabama. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
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