Subtropical Storm Alberto heads to the US Gulf

ST PETERSBURG, (AP):

Florida and Mississippi launched emergency preparations yesterday ahead of the arrival of Subtropical Storm Alberto, a slow-moving system expected to cause wet misery across the eastern US Gulf Coast today into tomorrow.

Cuba was being pounded by rain along its western coast yesterday, raising the threat of flash floods and mudslides.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said that the island's rain totals could reach 10 to 15 inches - and even 25 inches in isolated areas.

Heavy downpours are expected to begin lashing parts of Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama today. The Florida Keys could see as much as 10 inches of rain, the hurricane centre said. A tropical storm warning has been issued for the Dry Tortugas.

Some five to 10 inches of rain are possible along affected areas in eastern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, western Tennessee, and the western Florida Panhandle. Isolated areas could see as much as 15 inches.

Alberto - the first named storm of the 2018 hurricane season that officially starts June 1 - is expected to strengthen until it reaches the northern Gulf Coast, likely tomorrow night.

At a briefing in Tallahassee, Florida authorities urged residents to take the storm seriously and to organise water, food, medicines and other preparations.

Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency, which gives him wide latitude to prepare. In Mississippi, Governor Phil Bryant said on Twitter that he has signed an emergency proclamation to make the National Guard and other resources available.

The downpours could dampen Memorial Day, the unofficial start of the summer tourist season along Gulf beaches.