CYCLONIC FURY

Subtropical Storm Alberto made landfall near Laguana Beach, Florida at about 4:00 p.m. CDT (5:00 p.m. EDT) Monday afternoon. At landfall, the storm had maximum sustained winds of 40 knots (45 mph), with an estimated minimum pressure of 994 mb. This was down from Alberto’s peak intensity early Monday, when it packed maximum sustained winds of 55 knots (65 mph) with an estimated minimum pressure of 990 mb. Alberto is the first subtropical cyclone to make landfall in the United States since Lee in 2011 (which was operationally assessed as a tropical cyclone at landfall).

As of 4:00 p.m. CDT (5:00 p.m. EDT) Monday, Subtropical Storm Alberto was centered near 30.3°N 85.9°W, and was moving northward at 9 mph. Maximum sustained winds were 40 knots (45 mph), with an estimated minimum pressure of 994 mb. Dry air and northerly wind shear caused Alberto to weaken before landfall. Now that Alberto has made landfall, Alberto should quickly weaken into a subtropical depression by Tuesday morning as it moves northward. Alberto should then degenerate into a post-tropical low by Wednesday morning. The remnants of Alberto should continue on a general northward path, before turning to the northeast by early Thursday near the Great Lakes. The primary threat with Alberto, even as it loses subtropical characteristics, is heavy rainfall.

I will be back with another post tomorrow. After Alberto, it appears as if we will see a lull in tropical activity.